K-pop group BTS members face possible military conscription

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s navy seems to wish to conscript members of the Okay-pop supergroup BTS for necessary navy duties, as the general public stays sharply divided over whether or not they need to be given exemptions.

Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Navy Manpower Administration, advised lawmakers on Friday that it’s “fascinating” for BTS members to meet their navy duties to make sure equity within the nation’s navy service.

Earlier this week, Protection Minister Lee Jong-sup made virtually equivalent feedback about BTS at a parliamentary committee assembly, and Tradition Minister Park Bo Gyoon stated his ministry would quickly finalize its place on the problem.

Whether or not the band’s seven members should serve within the military is among the hottest points in South Korea as a result of its oldest member, Jin, faces doable enlistment early subsequent yr after turning 30 in December.

Below South Korean legislation, all able-bodied males are required to carry out 18-21 months of navy service. However the legislation gives particular exemptions for athletes, classical and conventional musicians, and ballet and different dancers who’ve gained prime prizes in sure competitions that improve nationwide status.

With out a revision of the legislation, the federal government can take steps to grant particular exemptions. However previous exemptions for individuals who carried out effectively in non-designated competitions triggered severe debate in regards to the equity of the system.

Because the draft forces younger males to droop their skilled careers or research, the dodging of navy duties or creation of exemptions is a extremely delicate problem.

In a single current survey, about 61% of respondents supported exemptions for entertainers resembling BTS, whereas in one other, about 54% stated BTS members ought to serve within the navy.

A number of amendments of the conscription legislation that might pave the best way for BTS members to be exempted have been launched within the Nationwide Meeting, however haven’t been voted on with lawmakers sharply divided on the matter.

Lee, the protection minister, earlier stated he had ordered officers to contemplate conducting a public survey to assist decide whether or not to grant exemptions to BTS. However the Protection Ministry later stated it might not perform such a survey.

In August, Lee stated if BTS members be a part of the navy, they might probably be allowed to proceed training and to affix different non-serving BTS members in abroad group excursions.

People who find themselves exempted from the draft are launched from the navy after three weeks of fundamental coaching. They’re additionally required to carry out 544 hours of volunteer work and proceed serving of their skilled fields for 34 months.