SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea could conduct a public survey to assist decide whether or not to grant exemption to the necessary army service to members of the Okay-pop boyband BTS, officers stated Wednesday.
The query of lively army service for the band’s seven members has been a hot-button matter in South Korea as its oldest member, Jin, faces his enlistment in December, when he turns 30.
Protection Minister Lee Jong-sup instructed lawmakers that he ordered officers to implement a survey rapidly. He stated his ministry may also look into varied different components just like the BTS’s financial impact, the significance of army service and general nationwide pursuits.
After his feedback created a stir, his ministry clarified in an announcement that Lee ordered officers to look at whether or not such a survey is required, reasonably than launch it instantly.
It stated officers have been requested to review particulars together with which company can be answerable for a survey, how lengthy would it not take and who precisely can be surveyed. The assertion stated if the survey is carried out, will probably be performed by a 3rd group, not by the ministry or associated authorities, to make sure equity.
The ministry stated the outcomes can be solely one of many many components figuring out BTS members’ army exemption.
By regulation, all able-bodied males in South Korea should serve 18-21 months within the army underneath a conscription system established to cope with threats from rival North Korea. However the nation offers exemption to athletes, musicians and artists who win prime locations in worldwide competitions as a result of they’re thought of to have enhanced nationwide status.
Some politicians and others have referred to as for increasing the scope of exemptions to incorporate Okay-pop stars like BTS as a result of they’ve elevated South Korea’s worldwide picture considerably as nicely.
The enlisted can’t delay their conscription after they flip 30.
A personal survey earlier this yr confirmed about 60% of respondents supporting army exemption for BTS members. However one other non-public survey in 2020 confirmed 46% backed the exemption whereas 48% opposed it.
