The South Korean military apparently wants members of K-pop band BTS to do mandatory military service, although the population is divided with this possible decision.
On the one hand, Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Military Personnel Administration, told legislators this Friday that it is “desirable” that the members of the group fulfill their duties in order to ensure justice in the country’s military service.
While this week, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup made the same kind of comments about the group during a parliamentary committee meeting and Culture Minister Park Bo Gyoon indicated that he may state his stance on the matter. .
The debate about whether the band should comply with the service has spread throughout South Korea, as Their oldest member, Jin, is turning 30 in December.
According to South Korean law, men who have the physical ability must complete between 18 to 21 months of military service.
Also, the law makes some exceptions in athletes, classical and traditional musicians, ballet dancers and other specialties who have won important prizes in competitions that increase national prestige.
It should be noted that the government can intervene to make special exceptions, although debates have always been unleashed about the fairness of the system.
It highlights that when men perform military service they have to suspend their professional careers, or their studies and that exceptions are made is classified as a very sensitive issue, the decision by the legislators would still have to be voted on in a National Assembly.
According to a recent poll, about 61% supported making an exception for BTSbut 54% want the singers to do their military service.
In case they do not have to fulfill the service, they would be released after three weeks of basic training, in addition to having to perform 544 hours of volunteer work and serve in professional fields for 34 months.
With AP information
amv