The Mayor Of Busan Has Proposed A Military Service Alternative For BTS.

Members of the BTS have been anticipating conscription into the South Korean armed forces. But what if they didn’t have to leave our lives for the two years that the government requires of all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28? What if they could do something else that would benefit the country?

According to Yonhap News Agency, Busan Mayor Park Heong-Joon has proposed that the seven members of the group leave the military in exchange for working as public relations ambassadors for Busan’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo. Last month, the country formally appointed the band as public relations ambassadors to lead the bid, in which Busan competes with Rome, Odessa, and Riyadh.

Busan has proposed the theme “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future” for the event, which, if chosen, will take place from May 1 to October 31, 2030, and will attract dignitaries from around the world. Military service requirements have been a constant cloud over the group’s members since its inception nearly a decade ago, and this will be especially true this December, when Jin, the group’s eldest member at age 29, will reach the mandatory age cap for enlistment.

Pop musicians are not exempt from military service at this time, but some elite athletes and classical musicians are. During a press conference in May, South Korea’s Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Hwang Hee, stated that the rule should be changed. Hee is quoted as saying that it is time to establish a procedure for hiring celebrities in the arts. There is no reason why popular art and culture should not be included in the system’s efforts to recognize and reward those who have risen to prominence in their country due to their superior abilities.

The country’s defense minister, Lee Jong-sup, then stated earlier this month during a parliamentary session that allowing BTS to continue performing while serving would allow the military to serve national interests without affecting the military’s shrinking pool of personnel due to low birth rates. If there are scheduled concerts abroad, there will be a way to give them a chance to practice and perform together, he was quoted as saying by Reuters. Many of us admire [military artists], and this could increase their popularity even further.