HYBE has responded to reports stating they are in talks with President-Elect Yoon Seok Yeol's committee in regards to BTS' military exemption.
Keep on reading to know more.
HYBE Reportedly Discussing BTS' Military Exemption With President-Elect Yoon Seok Yeol's Transition Committee
According to several media outlets on April 1 KST, Ahn Cheol Soo, who is a former member of South Korea's National Assembly and currently the chief of the incoming presidential transition committee of President-Elect Yoon Seok Yeol, is reportedly making a visit to HYBE later in the week.
According to reports, Ahn Cheol Soo's reason for planning a visit to HYBE will be centering around the discussion for BTS' military service exemption.
BTS and Bang Si Hyuk for TIME
In fact, prior to Ahn Cheol Soo's withdrawal as a candidate in the 2022 presidential election, he had been firmly advocating for BTS' military exemption as part of is campaign. He had argued that "BTS has abundant right to be considered for a military exemption" and that "the issue of BTS' military exemption is a key factor in the government's strategy for Korea's growth in the entertainment industry."
Reports also say that Ahn Cheol Soo will be making his visit on April 2, and that he, along with his committee, will be discussing other issues as well, such as the existing difficulties in the entertainment industry and areas for improvement which will need the aid or support of the government.
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HYBE Responds to Reports of BTS' Military Exemption Talks
Not long after the reports came, HYBE has issued a statement addressing BTS' military exemption.
According to HYBE, it is true that representatives of President-Elect Yoon Seok Yeol's transition committee have requested to visit and have a meeting at the company. However, the specific date of the visit has yet to be decided on.
In addition, HYBE and the representatives of the transition committee have also denied claims that the main discussion will be centering around BTS' military exemption.
BTS
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HYBE states that the transition committee will be meeting with representatives of HYBE to discuss creating a cultural space centered around K-Pop within the Blue House (executive office and official residence of South Korea's president), as well as other matters related to strengthening and growing South Korea's cultural content value.
Meanwhile, the members of BTS are currently in Las Vegas, United States to attend the 64th Grammy Awards, where they are nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. BTS will also be holding their four-night "Permission to Dance On Stage" concert in the State.
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Written by Robyn Joan
