Possible Spread of 'Dokdo is Korean Territory' Perception Due to BTS Halo Effect
Mandatory Police Recruitment Abolished, Dokdo Guard Duty Originally Impossible
Diplomatic Expert Warns Misunderstanding Dokdo as Disputed Area May Arise
Following BTS's announcement to begin their military service, some netizens are voicing opinions to "send them to the Dokdo Guard." Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) announced that the eldest member Jin (real name Kim Seokjin) will begin fulfilling his military service obligations. This has sparked voices among some netizens suggesting, "Let's send the members to the Dokdo Guard Unit."
After Jin expressed his intention to cancel his enlistment deferral and enlist, comments appeared on social media saying, "Let's send BTS to the Dokdo Guard Unit." Amid Japan's continued claims that Dokdo is Japanese territory, the idea is to use BTS's service to assert that Dokdo is Korean land.
BTS's Dokdo enlistment strategy has been proposed since 2019. One netizen posted on an internet community titled "The Ultimate Tech Tree for BTS Military Enlistment." The author said, "BTS members should enlist together and be assigned to the same unit," adding, "If BTS serves in the Dokdo Guard Unit, it would engrave in the minds of ARMYs worldwide the formula that 'Dokdo, where BTS serves, is Korean territory.'"
Other netizens agreed that if BTS were assigned to Dokdo after enlistment, it could strengthen sovereignty over Dokdo, promote the East Sea, and increase tourism revenue for Ulleungdo.
In response to these reactions, BTS's military service in Dokdo was also mentioned in political circles. In 2020, Roh Woong-rae, a senior member of the Democratic Party of Korea, officially proposed discussing special military service exemptions for BTS, who became the first Korean pop music act to top the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Roh said, "BTS generated an economic ripple effect of 1.7 trillion won with their Billboard No.1, and their value in spreading Hallyu and enhancing national prestige is incalculable," adding, "Let's have BTS participate in overseas promotion of Dokdo without compensation."
Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byung-gi faced criticism for saying, "We should send BTS to Dokdo." On November 25, 2021, during the National Defense Committee's bill subcommittee, Kim argued against giving BTS the opportunity to be included as artistic and athletic personnel, saying, "They might deserve medals, but absolutely not. They should be sent to the Dokdo Guard Unit." BTS fandom ARMY criticized this remark, saying, "Is BTS an object? They only think about using BTS somehow."
Diplomatic experts expressed concerns about this idea. While it could help internationally raise awareness of Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo, they emphasized the need to consider diplomatic practicality. There is a viewpoint that it might instead reinforce the perception among overseas fans that Dokdo is a disputed territory with Japan.
However, BTS serving in the Dokdo Guard Unit is impossible. Dokdo is guarded by police, not the military, and the compulsory police service system, one form of alternative military service, has been abolished and no longer selects personnel. After the 1120th batch of conscripted police officers was selected in May 2018 and enlisted by the end of that year, no more conscripted police officers have been recruited for the Dokdo Guard Unit. Therefore, active-duty soldiers cannot be assigned to the Dokdo Guard Unit.
Meanwhile, Dokdo is currently protected by a police tactical unit staffed with police officers of rank sergeant and above. One of the three platoon-sized units of the Ulleung Guard Unit, under the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency, takes turns guarding Dokdo.
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