S. Korea pushes to allow prominent pop celebrities to defer mandatory military service
SEOUL, Oct. 13 (Yonhap) -- The government is working on a plan to allow pop culture celebrities credited for contributing to improving the country's image to postpone their mandatory military service, the military recruitment agency said Tuesday.
The plan came amid talk of whether K-pop boy band BTS members should be given such favors as an exemption from or postponement of the military service in recognition of their contribution to South Korea's national image with their unprecedented Billboard-topping hit.
Defense Minister Suh Wook earlier said that an exemption is not under consideration for the seven-member group, though a deferral could be an option.
In a parliamentary audit report, the Military Manpower Administration said it is pushing to revise the military service law to allow popular culture artists to delay their military service if there is a recommendation from the culture minister.
By law, military service exemptions or deferrals are given to international award-winning athletes and classical musicians for their roles in elevating the country's reputation overseas. But no prominent pop celebrities have been given such favors.
"The revision is aimed at boosting the national image by guaranteeing popular culture and art activities," the manpower agency said in the report, adding that the revised bill will be submitted to the National Assembly this month.
All able-bodied South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the military for about two years.
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
(URGENT) Russian, Chinese warplanes enter S. Korea's air defense zone without notice: JCS
-
Premier League Golden Boot winner Son Heung-min receives hero's welcome home
-
BTS to meet Biden at White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes
-
Multiple Russian, Chinese warplanes enter KADIZ without notice: JCS
-
Hyundai Motor to invest US$5 bln in U.S. for robotics, autonomous driving development
-
(5th LD) Yoon, Biden agree to expand joint military exercises to cope with N.K. threats
-
(LEAD) Multiple Russian, Chinese warplanes enter KADIZ without notice: JCS
-
(LEAD) Biden set to arrive in S. Korea for first summit with Yoon
-
With historic Golden Boot, Son Heung-min cements case as greatest S. Korean footballer ever
-
(URGENT) Russian, Chinese warplanes enter S. Korea's air defense zone without notice: JCS
-
(LEAD) Supreme Court rules against peak wage system
-
(2nd LD) N. Korea tests nuclear detonation device: presidential office
-
'The Roundup' becomes most-watched Korean film in pandemic era
-
(LEAD) Yoon picks women for last remaining 2 Cabinet ministers
-
(5th LD)N. Korea fires 3 ballistic missiles, including 1 suspected ICBM: S. Korean military