|
The decision is likely to fuel debate in South
Korea, which remains technically at war with North Korea, about
whether entertainers and athletes should have to do their full
military service, of about 18 months, when they might be at the
peak of their careers.
"Exempting pop culture artists from military service even though
they have made a contribution to the country's reputation is not
in line with the government's stance to uphold justice and
fairness," the ministry said in announcing its decision on
Thursday.
The seven-strong BTS has spearheaded a wave of Korean pop,
crowning their success with three No. 1 albums on the Billboard
chart in less than a year, a 2019 Grammy nomination and concerts
from New York to Saudi Arabia.
None of the band members, who range in age from 22 to 26, was
available for comment on Friday.
Korean men who turn 18 become eligible for a physical
examination by the Military Manpower Administration, which can
then lead to service. Women do not have to do military service.
Authorities occasionally grants exemptions, for instance to
athletes, but only if they have won gold medals at the Asian
Games, or any medal at the Olympics.
Also, classical musicians who have received awards at recognized
international competition can skip their military service.
Last year, Son Heung-min, who plays for the English Premier
League side Tottenham Hotspur, was given an exemption but only
after he helped the South Korean national team win gold at the
Asian Games.
The defense ministry said fewer than 45 people are exempt from
service every year.
South Korea has nearly 600,000 soldiers, most of them
conscripted.
(Reporting by Sangmi Cha; Editing by Robert Birsel)
[© 2019 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2019 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
