BTS, Military Service Controversy

 

 

There is no doubt that BTS has generated billions of dollars for the South Korean economy and helped turned the country into a cultural superpower. But the seven members of the K-pop phenomenon soon have to swap their stage outfits for military uniform.

 

Though admiration for the band is widespread across the world, South Koreans are divided over whether BTS should be exempt from the compulsory military service. It will soon be debated in the national assembly whether to allow performers and artists to skip almost two years in the military in recognition of their excellent countribution to the country's international reputation. 

 

BTS, who has sold more than 30 mllion albums worldwide and pinked up two Grammy nominations, has been at the center of the debate over an exemption since 2020 when the K-pop band reached no.1 on the U.S. chart with its song Dynamite. That year, then-president Moon thanked the singers for raising the profile of K-pop while the national assembly passed a law allowing pop stars to defer their military service until they are 30. 

 

South Korea requires all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 to serve in the military for at least 18 months to defend the country against threats from North Korea. Under the current law, only Olympic and Asian games medalists and globally recognized award-winning classical musicians are exempt or allowed to perform alternative public service. They include Cho Seong-jin, the first Korean pianist to win the International Chopin Piano Competition, and Tottenham striker Son Heung-min.

 

BTS is making more than 3.5 billion dollars annually for the South Korean economy, which is equivalent to the contribution made by 26 medium-sized companies. According to a 2018 report, BTS was the reason 800,000 foreign tourists visited the country in 2017.

 

South Korea, which is technically still at war with North Korea, does not look kindly on celebrities who attempt to avoid military service. Steve Yoo, an actor and singer also known as Yoo Seung-jun, was deported and banned from entering the country after he avoided the military service by obtaining a U.S. citizenship in 2002, months before he was going to be conscripted.

 

While polls show most South Koreans support an alternative to compulsory miliary service for BTS, some voiced concern that, without clear guidelines, a change in the law could be exploited by less deserving celebrities.

 

An exemption could alienate large numbers of young men at a time when they feel increasingly left behind by rising property prices and pressure on the job market. BTS's singers have previously indicated they will do their sacred duty when the time comes but have not commented on the bill pending in the national assembly. 

 

It is true that BTS is promoting national prestige but the standards for evaluating it are too vague. If famous singers are exempted from military service, starting with BTS, there could probably be many cases of abuse. It is worth considering an option to allow male celebrities to contineu their careers while serving the country.

 

 

[Summary]

 

The South Korean economy has greatly benefited from the success of the K-pop group BTS, which has generated billions of dollars and helped establish South Korea as a cultural superpower. However, the seven members of BTS will soon be required to perfom military service, which has led to a debate in the national assembly over whether or not performers and artists should be exmpt from the obligation. Currently, only Olympic medalists and classical musicians are allowed to defer their military service or perform alternative public service. BTS generates an annual revenue of 3.5 billion dollars for South Korea and attracts 800,000 foreign tourists, but there are concerns that granting an exemption could be exploited by less deserving celebrities. While polls show that most South Koreans support an alternative for BTS, clear guidelines need to be established to avoid abuse. BTS has not commented on the bill pending in the national assembly.