The bill to amend the Military Service Act that will exempt BTS and other pop-cultural artists, who have helped elevate Korea's global standing, from completing their military service has been put on hold.
BTS' Military Service Exemption Bill Suspended by National Defense Commission Bill Sub-Committee
On Nov. 25, the National Assembly Defense Committee Bill Sub-Committee deliberated on a bill to make changes to the Military Service Act in Korea that will exempt pop-cultural artists with excellent contributions in raising national interest and promoting pop culture like BTS from doing their military service.
The bill includes giving alternative service to popular cultural artists particularly letting them serve as "arts and sports" personnel who can carry out volunteer hours in the military while continuing activities in their fields.
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Until now, only individuals with esteemed achievements in arts, classical music and the Olympics are exempted from joining the army.
During the discussions, the sub-committee failed to come to a conclusion and so, the bill was put on hold.
According to the media outlet Yonhap News, an official from the National Defense Commission told them in a phone call that there was a difference in pros and cons between the ruling and opposition parties.
They added that they plan to hold a public debate, such as a public hearing, to discuss the matter in the future.
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Moreover, the spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense, Boo Seung Chan, stated, "It's difficult to decide on expanding the scope of 'arts and sports' personnel. We need to be careful."
He continued that they have to consider situation variables and one of those is the result caused by the sharp decrease in population. He further said that social consensus is also necessary.
Boo Seung Chan then commented, "In my opinion, wouldn't it be more fair if they fulfill their military service?"
On the contrary, some people during the deliberation argued that it is reasonable to let BTS be exempted from their military service in consideration of the huge economic effect the boy band is causing.
If the bill fails to pass, BTS' eldest member Jin would have to enlist in the military by December next year.
BTS' 'Butter' Surpasses 'Dynamite' as the Fastest Song in History to Reach 300 Million Streams on Billboard Japan
BTS has once again broken their own record in terms of streams on Billboard Japan. On Nov. 24, BTS' "Butter" was revealed to have reached 300 million streams.
"Butter" was released on May 21 this year so, this means the song only took 27 weeks to achieve the feat. With this, "Butter" has now surpassed "Dynamite," BTS's previous English-language song, as the fastest song of all time to hit 300 million streams on Billboard Japan.
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BTS' "Dynamite' obtained the milestone in 30 weeks since its release on Aug. 21 of last year.
Meanwhile, BTS' "Butter" consistently chart on Billboard Japan Hot 100. The track ranked No. 11 for the week ending on Nov. 27.
In addition to "Butter," the other BTS songs on this week's Billboard Japan Hot 100 are "Dynamite" (No. 15), "Permission to Dance" (No. 17) and "My Universe" (No. 72).
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Written by Mhaliya Scott
