As BTS Jin's military enlistment gets nearer, the interest in the group's possible military exemption also gets higher. In the past few days, this didn't just only become a huge topic among fans, but outside the K-pop circle as well. But why is it really a huge deal?

K-Media Cited 'Politics' as Start of BTS Military Exemption Controversy

On April 13, the Korean news outlet Asia Economy discussed how politics set fire to the controversy of whether BTS members should be exempted from their military services.

To trace the root of this issue, the conservative party, which considers national security important, first proposed the exemption from military service of BTS. This initially gained disappointment.

A so-called "BTS law" was then promulgated in 2020 to delay Korean male citizens' enlistment until 30 years old, given that they contributed to the increase of national prestige.

ALSO READ: HYBE Drops Official Statement on BTS Military Enlistment – Will Jin Serve in 2022?

On April 12, Sung Il Jong, the chairman of the People's Power Policy Committee, said on a radio broadcast:

"There is unlikely to be a disagreement between the ruling and opposition parties because it is related to equity and national interests.

Since pop culture artists are not in the field of physical education and pure art, they do not give military service exemptions even if they win first place on the Billboard for popular music, but they want to give BTS military service exemptions."

Newsis also added:

"Politicians have steadily expressed interest in military service exemptions for BTS, which has been active worldwide. This is because it is an opportunity to win the favor of BTS's powerful fandom, 'ARMY'."

According to the current military service law, special military service exemptions are not applied to pop culture artists. In the case of art workers, only the field of 'pure art' is applicable.

Although K-pop artists are not included in this clause, politicians and officials then explained that BTS produced results that anyone could recognize. They contribute to the promotion of national prestige rather than pure artists.

Some of the examples include their GRAMMY nomination and how BTS topped the Billboard chart, which economic inducement effect will reach 1.7 trillion won.

Why Korean Male Netizens Were Not Pleased With BTS Military Exemption Consideration

However, the atmosphere of netizens is unusual. Male netizens, who supported the power of the people with pledges to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, are angry, saying:

"Popularity and military exemption are two different things."

They also pointed out and criticized President Moon Jae In and BTS' attendance at the U.N. General Assembly in September last year as a "show."

In regards to the claims that BTS military service will hurt pop culture artists and the national loss that puts the Hallyu brand ahead. Netizens also showed frustration over this.

Male citizens and the media cited that prominent pop culture artists such as Elvis Presley completed his two-year military enlistment and were still able to continue popularity after discharge.

K-pop acts such as EXO, SHINee and INFINITE who also joined the military were able to maintain their status through military musicals. Hallyu star Hyun Bin was also able to solidify his status as a top star after his discharge from the Marine Corps.

In fact, this is not an issue to BTS at all, the main characters of the controversy. The members themselves have maintained their position that they will "go to the military" whenever questions about military service are asked.

As the situation turns around, some point out that the political circle may rather encourage BTS' military service exemption.

READ MORE: Here's Why BTS Is Not Invited in South Korea's Presidential Inauguration in May

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Written by Eunice Dawson