Ought to BTS members be exempt from army service? South Korea could ask public – Nationwide

South Korea could conduct a public survey to assist decide whether or not to grant exemptions to necessary army service to members of the Okay-pop boyband BTS, officers mentioned Wednesday.

The difficulty of lively army service for the band’s seven members has been a hot-button matter in South Korea as a result of its oldest member, Jin, faces enlistment in December, when he turns 30.

Protection Minister Lee Jong-sup informed lawmakers that he ordered officers to implement a survey shortly. He mentioned his ministry will even look into numerous different components resembling BTS’s financial affect, the significance of army service and general nationwide curiosity.

After his feedback created a stir, his ministry clarified in an announcement that Lee ordered officers to look at whether or not such a survey is required, somewhat than launch it instantly.

It mentioned officers have been requested to review particulars together with which company could be accountable for a survey, how lengthy wouldn’t it take and who precisely could be surveyed. The assertion mentioned if the survey is carried out, it will likely be achieved by a 3rd group, not by the ministry or associated authorities, to make sure equity.

The ministry mentioned the outcomes could be solely one of many many components figuring out BTS members’ army standing.

0:45
George Floyd protests: Okay-Pop superstars BTS donate $1 million to Black Lives Matter

By regulation, all able-bodied males in South Korea should serve 18-21 months within the army underneath a conscription system established to cope with threats from rival North Korea. However the nation offers exemption to athletes, classical and conventional musicians, and ballet and different dancers who win high locations in sure competitions as a result of they’re thought-about to have enhanced nationwide status.

These exempted are launched from the army after taking three weeks of primary coaching. However they’re required to carry out 544 hours of volunteer work and serve of their respective skilled fields for 34 months.

Some politicians and others have referred to as for increasing the scope of exemptions to incorporate Okay-pop stars resembling BTS as a result of they’ve elevated South Korea’s worldwide picture considerably as effectively.

A non-public survey earlier this yr confirmed about 60% of respondents supported army exemption for BTS members. However one other non-public survey in 2020 confirmed 46% backed exemptions whereas 48% opposed them.