[Comprehensive] "Must Spare Words" Despite Lee Nak-yeon's Silence Order... 'BTS Military Service Special Exemption' Discussion Continues

Kim Doo-kwan Says in Radio Interview "If There Is National Consensus, It Makes Sense"
Related Questions Raised at National Assembly Audit
Park Yang-woo, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, "Progressive Review"
Seo Wook, Minister of National Defense, "Not Considering Currently"

The group BTS concluded their special program on the American NBC show "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on the 2nd (local time). / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Despite Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, effectively issuing a 'gag order' on discussions about granting military service exemptions to famous pop culture artists such as BTS, the controversy continues. Ruling party lawmakers have continued to voice their opinions, and related questions have even arisen during the National Assembly audit.

On the morning of the 7th, at the party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Lee Nak-yeon said, "Continuing to discuss military service issues in the political arena is uncomfortable for the public to see, and it is not something BTS themselves want," adding, "I hope we can now refrain from speaking about it."

However, despite Lee's request, statements from ruling party lawmakers regarding BTS's military service benefits did not cease that day.

Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Doo-kwan expressed support in a YTN radio interview, saying, "If there is national consent or agreement, it is quite reasonable," and added, "If we cannot abolish the current Military Service Act system, the answer is to operate it fairly. BTS has a much greater global influence than winning a national medal and contributing to the country's brand value."

Lee Nak-yeon, Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, related questions continued during the National Assembly audit held that day.

Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Yong-gi asked Park Yang-woo, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, during the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee audit, "What do you think about military service deferral and exemptions for pop culture artists?" Minister Park responded, "I believe there is a certain consensus that pop culture artists should be included in military service exemptions," adding, "We will comprehensively consider the sentiments of related agencies and the public and review the matter proactively."

On the other hand, Defense Minister Seo Wook stated during the National Defense Committee audit that "we are not considering the claims that BTS should receive military service exemptions."

When Democratic Party lawmaker Min Hong-chul asked about the Ministry of National Defense's stance on BTS's military service issue, Minister Seo replied, "Various social consensus needs to be formed," and "At present, we are not considering military service exemptions."

He added, "However, considering their active periods, it is meaningful to review the possibility of deferral."

No Woong-rae, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 9th. / Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, discussions about military service exemptions for pop culture artists such as BTS began in earnest following remarks by Democratic Party Supreme Council member Roh Woong-rae on the 5th.

At the party's Supreme Council meeting, Roh said, "Hallyu star BTS has generated 60 trillion won over 10 years and 6 trillion won this year alone," adding, "They topped the Billboard charts, bringing an effect of 1.7 trillion won, and the extent of their contribution to promoting Korea's national prestige through the spread of Hallyu is difficult to estimate, so we should seriously discuss military service exemptions."

The next day (the 6th), Roh further explained that BTS's military service exemption should take the form of alternative service rather than a full exemption.

He appeared on a radio broadcast that day and said, "If BTS's activities stop, it means they cannot promote national prestige," and explained, "Military service exemption means completely exempting military duty, but military service special cases recognize military service only if certain conditions are met during that period."

However, some within the party have expressed caution about such proposals. Democratic Party Supreme Council member Park Sung-min, a university student, said on a radio broadcast that day, "Since BTS themselves have stated they will fulfill their military duties, I wonder if it is right for the political sphere to impose a burden," adding, "Opinions are divided within the party. No conclusion has been reached, and I think it is not an issue that will be easily resolved."