The Ministry of National Defense has finally released an official reply to the issue of special military service for BTS.
Min Hong Cheol, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, raised a question in regard to BTS’ military service to Lee Jong Sup, the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Korea, at the 4th plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 20th.
Rep. Min asked, “It seems like the issue of BTS’ military service is being decided through an opinion poll. Can you decide whether someone enlists in the military or not through a poll?”
Minster Lee answered, “To reiterate the Ministry of National Defense’s position, no changes have been made to our previous statement – ‘It is difficult to expand the alternative service system due to the fairness in obligations of fulfilling military duties.'” Rep. Min replied, “I believe that mandatory military duty is the most important among one of the four obligations under the Constitution. It should be implemented in accordance with laws and principles.”
Meanwhile, a public survey, requested by the National Assembly Defense Committee, was conducted to ask whether pop culture artists such as BTS, who contributed significantly to the promotion of national prestige, should be allowed to carry out an alternative service in place of mandatory military service. Of 1,018 adult men and women over the age of 18, 60.9% were in favor of their alternative service.
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