South Korea is gripped by a debate over whether the seven members of K-pop phenomenon BTS should be exempt from compulsory military service, less than three weeks before president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol takes office. The band, who have sold over 30 million albums worldwide and earned two Grammy nominations, are valued at more than $3.54bn (£2.8bn) annually to the South Korean economy, according to a 2018 Hyundai Research Institute report.
Currently, only Olympic and Asian Games medallists and globally recognised classical musicians are exempt or allowed alternative service. The national assembly previously passed a law allowing pop stars to defer service until age 30 with culture ministry permission. BTS members, all in their 20s, would face nearly two years in uniform if no exemption is granted.
Public opinion is split. While polls show most South Koreans support an alternative for BTS, some fear the law could be exploited. Office worker Choi Hyung-seok said standards for evaluating national prestige are too vague, while university student Kim Jong-woo argued that allowing BTS to continue their careers would boost South Korea's soft power.
Any exemption risks alienating young men who largely voted for incoming president Yoon, who has vowed to increase military salaries. The debate highlights tensions between national defence needs and the economic and cultural contributions of K-pop stars.
