Ha Tae Kyung of the Bareun Mirae recommends the BTS stars' service is waived due to their international success.
- Jul 27, 2018
AceShowbiz - A top South Korean politician is fighting to keep pop stars like Bangtan Boys a.k.a. BTS out of the army.
Fans of the boy band, ironically known as The Army, have been begging for amendments to South Korea's national service laws, which require every young man to serve, so the singers won't have to sign up, and now Ha Tae Kyung of the Bareun Mirae opposition party has taken on the cause.
He appeared before the National Assembly Defense Committee to call for changes to the list of special exemptions from mandatory military service.
He recommends the BTS stars' service is waived due to their international success, citing the fact they became the first Koreans to top the U.S. album chart with Love Yourself: Tear earlier this year.
According to Billboard, Ha has urged lawmakers to review the current exemption guidelines and update them to make allowances for top pop entertainers.
Only classical musicians, dancers, and athletes receive exemptions from fulfilling mandatory service.
South Korea's Military Affairs Director, Ki Chan Soo, has assured Ha the issue will be reviewed.
