Military Manpower Administration considering 'alternative service' for BTS

Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration Lee Ki-sik makes opening remarks at a meeting of the National Defense Commitee at the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul, Monday. [YONHAP]

Lee Ki-sik, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, said on Monday that the administration was “reviewing the military service exemption for BTS from various aspects” and that “for now, we are looking at the matter within the overall framework of alternative service.”

These remarks came during a meeting of the National Defense Committee at the National Assembly.

“Adding pop culture artists to military service exemption can break the entire framework of the practice, so we are carefully considering options,” said Lee.

Lee Jong-sup, Minister of National Defense, also reaffirmed his previous position that the ministry should be cautious in discussing military service exemptions, emphasizing “ways to solve this issue without infringing principles of fairness and equity and the reduction of military service resources.”

“There should be a way to give BTS a chance to practice while in the military, and if there are opportunities for performing overseas, there would be ways to let them,” said Lee. “Serving in the military would also help with the group’s popularity.”

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]