South Korea might conduct a public survey to help determine whether to grant exemptions to mandatory military service to members of the K-pop boyband BTS, officials said on Wednesday.
The issue of active military service for the band’s seven members has been a hot-button topic in South Korea because its oldest member, Jin, faces enlistment in December, when he turns 30.
South Korean Minister of Defense Lee Jong-sup told lawmakers that he ordered officials to implement a survey quickly.
Photo: AP
He said his ministry would also look into other factors such as BTS’ economic impact, the importance of military service and overall national interest.
After his comments created a stir, his ministry clarified in a statement that Lee ordered officials to examine whether such a survey is needed, rather than launch it immediately.
It said officials were asked to study details including which agency would be responsible for a survey, how long would it take and who exactly would be surveyed.
The statement said that if the survey is carried out, it would be done by a third organization, not by the ministry or related authorities, to ensure fairness.
The ministry said the results would be only one of the many factors determining BTS members’ military status.
By law, all able-bodied men in South Korea must serve 18 to 21 months in the military under a conscription system established to deal with threats from North Korea.
However, South Korea gives exemption to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers who win top places in certain competitions because they are considered to have enhanced national prestige.
Those exempted are released from the military after taking three weeks of basic training, but they are required to perform 544 hours of volunteer work and serve in their respective professional fields for 34 months.
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