The government is pushing for a legal amendment that would allow for the postponement of military service for BTS, the group that became the first Korean singer to top Billboard's main chart.

The Military Manpower Administration announced on the 13th in its state audit materials that it is "promoting an amendment to the Military Service Act to postpone the conscription and call-up of outstanding individuals in the popular culture and arts field." It also stated, "We will submit the government's legislative bill to the National Assembly within this month."

The Military Manpower Administration further explained, "The purpose is to enhance the national image by guaranteeing activities in the popular culture and arts field."

If the amendment to the Military Service Act is finalized, "military service exceptions" for the members of BTS will not be recognized, but postponement of conscription and call-up is expected to become possible.

Prior to this, Representative Jeon Yong-gi proposed an amendment to the Military Service Act last month that would allow outstanding individuals in the popular culture and arts field, recognized and recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for enhancing the nation's status and dignity, to postpone their conscription and call-up.

Subsequently, on the 7th, during a state audit of the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, Democratic Party lawmaker Min Hong-chul asked about the stance on BTS's military service issue. In response, Minister of National Defense Suh Wook stated, "Various social consensus must be obtained, but based on the current judgment, we are not considering exceptions."

He added, "Considering their activity period, we believe it is meaningful to consider deferment together."

However, the Military Manpower Administration maintains its policy of excluding popular culture and arts personnel from military service exception enlistment. As BTS members born in 1992 are approaching the age of enlistment (29 years old), some have continued to argue for the necessity of military service exceptions.

The Korean government agencies will submit an amendment bill related to the Military Service Act to the National Assembly within this month (by October 31st). Whether the amendment bill can be passed by the National Assembly depends on the National Assembly itself.
 

These are English translations of articles from our GTTOUR Japanese website.