BTS May Be Given Exemption From Military Service in Korea

variety.com:

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau ChiefK-pop superstars BTS could be given exemption from compulsory military service in South Korea.“It’s time to create a system for incorporating popular culture-art figures as art personnel,” said Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Hwang Hee, at a press briefing on Wednesday, according to reports by the Yonhap news agency.

Hwang said he aims to push a new law through parliament that would allow the stars of popular culture to serve their country outside the military.Under the present Military Service Act all able-bodied Korean men must enlist for roughly two years of military service before they reach age 30.

There are possible exemptions and reduced terms of service for top classical musicians, folk music acts and Olympic medal winners.

An amendment to the Act in late 2020, possibly made with BTS in mind, lifted the age limit from 28 to 30, but it didn’t granted a let-out for pop stars.“The [exemption] system has been operated meaningfully to give those who have enhanced the national status based on their excellent skills more chances to contribute to the country, and there is no reason the popular art-culture field should be excluded from this,” Hwang said on Wednesday. “Somebody should be a responsible voice at a time when there are conflicting pros and cons ahead of the enlistment of some of the BTS members.”The move would be deeply controversial in Korea.