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Culture Ministry state BTS enlisting is ‘national loss’, fans discuss past 72k exemptions

Korean youth asked to be understanding as there could be a financial, cultural loss if BTS join the military which has the internet divided

By now even fans and nonfans are tired as the talk of BTS’ military exemption have been dragged on since 2018. In South Korea, all healthy male citizens except for athletes that have contributed to the nation have to enlist in the military by the age of 30. With BTS’ Jin being born in 1992, the global K-pop group applied for a one-year deferment so that he could participate in their upcoming release and potential world tour. 

But ARMY (BTS’ fans) are impatiently waiting for a decision as the Ministry of National Defence shared that they were discussing revising the mandatory drafting so that artists like BTS who have contributed to the country’s economy and culture will be exempted. There were rumors that the South Korean government would take a decision by April but it is already May. However, the Culture Ministry released a statement on May 4 that hints that the government is close to a decision regarding BTS.

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The Culture Ministry wants to exempt BTS

Hwang Hee of the Culture Ministry shared that they are trying to label pop-culture celebrities like the BTS members as “art personnel” who can be exempt from military service like sports personnel as the Hallyu Wave has done much to make South Korea a major player on a global level. He cited BTS, ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Parasite’ and said, “South Korea has become the only country in world history to have the most widespread influence throughout the world through the soft power of culture without using physical hard power.”

Hee added that pop-culture artists like BTS “are of greater benefit to the national interest” if they continue with their activities which unfortunately are halted due to the mandatory military service. If BTS and other major pop culture artists were to enlist, he shared, "This would lead to clear national losses." He continued that BTS had proved themselves in promoting national prestige as they keep bringing in over 1.2 trillion won per concert. He also explained, “the enlistment of famous Hallyu stars has the potential to further spread the image that South Korea is still a dangerous country of conflict. It is a huge loss to the national image.”

'Why are they being manipulative'

Hee shared that before the next government takes over, he is proposing to create a fair standard where pop-culture artists including BTS are allowed to be exempt from military service. He ended his speech by asking the Korean youth to be understanding which was a divisive point as many felt he shouldn’t have said that in an otherwise strong argument. Angry Knetizens made posts like, “Why are they asking me to understand?” and “Why are they being manipulative all the time with their wording??? In what way them being gone would mean the loss of human race???” Another angry Knetz added, “What will you do if the youth in their 20s understand? People in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who have already completed military service so this is none of their business? So BTS can just do some petty work and get an exemption? Are they crazy?”

'Let them go'

Some nonfans made tweets like, “Lmfaooooo ENOUGH of this CIRCUS. I’m about to send those boys to do their time myself.” Another posted, “Just enlist already evrybody did whats the big deal ???” One shared, “This is a mess *sigh*. Going to the military won't do them any harm because they already have loyal fans but not going will follow them where ever they go.” However, fans are tired of the situation and are supportive of whether BTS goes or not to the military.

One fan commented, “Just a reminder that BTS has never asked for special treatment. They are on record multiple times saying they know it is their duty as Korean men to serve in the military, just like their fathers,  brothers etc. did. Please don't let drama overshadow what THEY have said.” Another fan said, “CAN THESE MFS DECIDE ALREADY SO THEY CAN GO ND COME BACK QUICKLY.” One ARMY pointed out, “Like… the only ones who DONT want BTS to enlist it’s literally their own government 💀 Just let them go do their service and move on.”

Meanwhile, there are artists and celebrities like trot singers who have been exempt which is why ARMY cannot understand why exempting BTS is such a big deal. One said, "I was sitting here this whole time thinking receiving alternative service was rare..72k is ridiculous. All this commotion for 4 years and they just handing exemptions out left and right." Another ARMY added, "Tons of ppl get exempted every year, and they have done less han bts but y'all are trying to make it an issue only for them." One commented, "MORE THAN 72K men yet 7 more men is too much??? the tannies needs to be subjected to a public vote, have all these arguments and discussions when there's this amount of ppl who are not even near nor half to bts' relevance, impact and contribution to south korea's power."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.