Members of K-pop group BTS are facing possible military conscription

South Korea’s military appears to want to conscript members of the K-pop supergroup BTS (방탄소년단) for mandatory military duties, as the public remains sharply divided over whether they should be given exemptions.

South Korea’s military appears to want to conscript members of the K-pop supergroup BTS for mandatory military duties, as the public remains sharply divided over whether they should be given exemptions.

Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, told lawmakers on Friday, October 7, 2022, that it’s “desirable” for BTS members to fulfill their military duties to ensure fairness in the country’s military service.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The South Korean military appears keen to conscript members of K-pop supergroup BTS for mandatory military service, as the public remains increasingly divided over whether should they be given exceptions.

Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, told lawmakers on Friday that it is “desirable” for BTS members to fulfill their military duties to ensure fairness in the country’s military service.

Last week, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup made almost identical comments about BTS at a parliamentary committee meeting, and Culture Minister Park Bo Gyoon said his ministry would soon end. its position on the issue.

Whether the band’s seven members should go into the army is one of the hottest issues in South Korea as its oldest member, Jin, faces possible enlistment early next year after December 30.

Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to do 18-21 months of military service. But the law provides special exemptions for athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers who have won top prizes in some competitions that enhance national prestige.

If there is no change in the law, the government may take steps to provide special exceptions. But previous exemptions for high performers in non-college competitions have sparked serious debate about the fairness of the system.

Since the draft forces young men to suspend their professional careers or studies, avoiding military duties or making exceptions is a very sensitive issue.

In a recent survey, about 61% of respondents supported exemptions for entertainers like BTS, while in another, about 54% said that BTS members should serve in the military.

Several changes to the conscription law that would pave the way for BTS members to be exempt were introduced in the National Assembly, but were not voted on by lawmakers who are deeply divided on the matter.

Lee, the defense minister, earlier said he had ordered officials to consider conducting a public survey to help determine whether to grant BTS exemptions. But the Defense Ministry later said it would not conduct such a survey.

Last August, Lee said that if BTS members join the military, they will likely be allowed to continue practicing and join other non-serving BTS members on group trips overseas.

People exempt from the draft are released from the military after three weeks of basic training. They must also do 544 hours of volunteer work and continue serving in their professional fields for 34 months.