The fairness of military service exemptions for art and sports personnel has once again come under public scrutiny.
At a National Assembly audit of the Military Manpower Administration held on the 20th in Yeouido, Seoul, Rep. Sung Il-jong of the ruling People Power Party mentioned the boy group BTS, stating, “If only the enforcement decree had been revised, they could have been granted military exemption.”
Under current South Korean military law, the “artistic and athletic personnel” program allows individuals who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in the arts or sports to perform alternative service instead of active duty. The system, introduced in 1973, currently applies to athletes who place 3rd or higher in the Olympics, 1st in the Asian Games, and to winners of international or domestic art competitions recognized by the Military Manpower Administration.
Rep. Sung asked, “If someone wins a Nobel Prize—whether in literature or chemistry—would they be granted military exemption?”
To this, Commissioner Hong So-young of the Military Manpower Administration replied, “No.”
Rep. Sung then pointed out, “Even if someone wins world-renowned awards like the Grammy, Billboard, or American Music Awards, they’re not eligible for exemption. Yet over the past ten years, around 210 people have benefited from military exemptions after winning so-called ‘international competitions’ that exist in name only.”
Currently, of the 35 art competitions that qualify for special military service, 11 are held domestically. Among those, five are exclusively for Korean nationals, meaning all participants are South Korean.
Rep. Sung criticized, “How can the public accept this as fair when people like BTS—who have generated an estimated 56 trillion won in economic impact—are denied exemptions, while those who have contributed little to the nation’s benefit are granted them?”
In response, Commissioner Hong stated, “We will actively work with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to improve the system,” acknowledging concerns over fairness.
Written by Lee Seung Hun
Translated by Lee So Yun
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