Inquiry in the National Assembly Regarding Cancellation of BTS Members' Military Events
"For Entertainer-Origin Soldiers, Fulfilling Duties is More Important"
"I believe that a famous celebrity sweating in their assigned duty and smiling brightly in a dirt-stained military uniform represents the highest form of public service."
On the 10th, Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik responded this way during the comprehensive policy questioning at the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Committee, in response to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Lim Byung-heon regarding BTS member J-Hope (29, Jung Ho-seok) being considered and then canceled as the host for a recent military event.
Minister Shin added, "Especially for a very famous K-pop singer like BTS, I hold the belief that showing such an image is a true representation of national dignity and promotion of national prestige, even more than topping the Billboard charts."
Earlier, on the 7th, the plan for BTS member J-Hope (29) to serve as the host for the 4th International Military Cooking Competition held in Seoul was strongly pursued but was canceled after Minister Shin ordered a review. At that time, it was reported that Minister Shin instructed, "Do not assign soldiers who entered the military after being entertainers to duties other than their assigned positions."
During the questioning that day, he also emphasized repeatedly that while "soldiers who enlisted after being famous entertainers usually engage in public service activities as ambassadors or often host major military events, which is certainly important," it is crucial that these entertainer-turned-soldiers faithfully perform their assigned duties.
He added, "We will do our best so that our citizens perceive military service not as an uncomfortable, difficult, and avoidable obligation, but as a proud and dignified right of free citizens, even as a privilege."
Meanwhile, among BTS members, J-Hope, Jin (31, Kim Seok-jin), and Suga (30, Min Yoon-gi) are currently fulfilling their military service obligations. It is known that the military authorities have respected BTS’s wish to "live as ordinary a military life as possible," and therefore have not involved them in military events.
However, with the 4th International Military Cooking Competition this year involving soldiers from other countries, it was considered that having a global star appear as the host would help with promotion. Thus, the idea of having J-Hope as the host was considered. Nevertheless, the military leadership expressed the view that "since they are soldiers wearing military uniforms, it would be better for both the military and BTS if they show their best in their assigned duties," and the agency agreed, leading to the cancellation of the plan.
J-Hope enlisted on April 18 at the 36th Division Recruit Training Center in Wonju, Gangwon Province, and is currently serving as a drill instructor at the Army 36th Division Recruit Training Center. Jin enlisted first among BTS members in December last year and is serving as a drill instructor at the Army 5th Division Recruit Training Center. He gained attention for being selected as a 'Special Warrior,' an honor given to soldiers who meet certain criteria. Suga began his alternative service as a social service agent on September 22.
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