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K-pop fans furious as Culture Ministry considers a military exemption for BTS

Fans of idols who have already enlisted find the law revision for BTS unfair while the Culture Ministry considers a military exemption for artists

Looks like the South Korean Culture Ministry is arriving at a decision when it comes to BTS’ future in the K-pop industry. The boy group closes in on the last year that they have before inevitably having to enlist in the military as per South Korean law, where all Korean-born males have to serve in the nation’s military for at least 18 months. While many K-pop idols or singers from Korea have been exempted in the past, there has never been a national revision of the law for military enlistment as it is happening for BTS at present which has triggered a lot of fans of K-pop.

Reports from Korean media suggest that the ongoing debate about BTS’ military enlistment is being countered with arguments about their contribution to art where representatives claim that, “It’s time to create a system for incorporating popular culture-art figures as art personnel,” as they consider an exemption for the boy group as well as other K-pop idols with spectacular contributions to art and music. Even though the topic does not concern any international citizen, a lot of attention has been garnered towards the issue of BTS being exempted from mandatory military service due to their sudden global rise.

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On May 5, it was announced that the Culture Ministry of South Korea considers enlisting BTS members for upto two years a "national loss". While the decision is still impeding, fans of the boy group are certain that South Korea is not willing to chance upon the fact that the Big Hit Music boy group has brought a lot of economic growth to the nation. With that being said, other K-pop fans wonder why BTS is the only boy group being considered for an exemption and how the new changes being made to the South Korean law are bound to apply to more artists other than just BTS.

Fans of K-pop state that despite the unavoidable fact that BTS’ global rise has contributed to the South Korean economy, it is unfair for other idols to be exempted from the mandatory military service after they receive the title of being "art personnel", while other K-pop idols who have already enlisted did not get a chance to receive the same treatment. One user said, “There are so many grps that bring in economy not every idol can get exemption. Alot of other older grps did alot to build the kpop industry but they still completed their duty of military service. BTS themselves should feel this is unfair, if they are a sensible human beings.”

One user pointed out that, “BTS does NOT fuel the KOREAN economy. LMAO! They're not in the TOP 10. Samsung contributes to 37%  of the Korean economy. It's trillions of dollars. The entire KPOP  industry contributes about 10 billion. BTS is unlikely to receive a military exemption.” One user asked, “NOT FAIR. I mean, what makes them different with other korean citizen?”

One user said, “It’s not about money it’s about partiality their government is doing exol and many more big groups went for military service and what if the group is big or small they all do hard work its their decision but still I think bts should go atleast for 6months.” One fan boldly claimed, “If they get an exemption, so should every man in Korea…”

'Do y'all remember what happened to Taemin?'

BTS fans, however, think that other K-pop fans are being toxic because they are just jealous of the special treatment given to BTS. One fan of BTS said, “Its look like goverment want to exempt them but lot of people especially from entertainment industry didn't like it..thts why its bcome difficult to make decisions.” Another fan said, “Anyways like i said if you’re not korean, you have no opinion in this matter and i also said they have made a huge impact so its “REASONABLE that SK will CONSIDER” the military exemption they give SK elite musicians and atheletes & CONSIDER giving the same exemption to BTS.”

One fan pointed out, “You do realize they have been exempting people for years, right? Renowned musicians and athletes have been given exemptions for years. You're talking about unfair as if they don't bring in a significant percentage of the country's income. Do some research please.”

One more fan argued, “BTS does so much for SK rather going in military to perform maid chores. Pls kpopies who glorify military,do y'all remember what happened to taemin? He suffered sm bc of it like why would u glorify it.”

One more fan asked, “Who has done more for advancement of Korea & Korean culture internationally, than BTS? Why do soccer players who go overseas get military exemption for bringing "renown" to Korea but not BTS? Why is there discrimination against kpop artists as opposed to "pure" arts or athletes?”

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.