South Korea’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung again cast doubt on Thursday whether K-pop superstar band BTS owes special favors to the military service mandated by its members.
The Yonhap News Agency reports that Lee was asked at a campaign event about his views on the long-running issue of whether septet should be exempted from military service or his efforts to promote the country’s image abroad. Other parties should be given to the role. “Compulsory military service is a public duty stipulated by the Constitution and we must be prudent about making exceptions,” he replied.
“We cannot deny Contribution to the Nation (BTS), but we must be careful because if we expand like this (the scope of exceptions) it will be difficult to draw the line,” he said.
Lee made similar remarks in December, saying he would prefer to suspend BTS’ military service in order to exempt members. In November last year, Korean lawmakers discussed a bill that would allow prominent pop figures like BTS to substitute their mandatory military service for other public services, but failed to conclude.
A report by the Yonhap News Agency, which cited remarks from Korea’s Defense Ministry spokesman Boo Seung-chan, said the military was considering “situational variables” on the so-called BTS law.
The BTS Law Bill, if passed, would allow septet to continue their work as K-pop idols for 34 months under an alternative program, mandated military performance by South Korean men in their place. Must undergo regular 18 to 22 months of service. According to the Korea Herald.
All able-bodied South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to perform compulsory military service for approximately two years.
International award winning athletes and classical musicians have been exempted for their role in enhancing the prestige of the country abroad.
On the other hand, BTS members have a holiday from December. Kim Namjoon, Kim Seokjin, Min Yonggi, Jang Hosok, Park Jimin, Kim Taehyung and Jeon Jungkook take off for their break after completing their permission to dance on stage in LA. Although on break, BTS members have kept fans busy with their Instagram and Weaver activities.
(with IANS inputs)
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