▲ This photo, provided by Big Hit Music, shows BTS who has first won the AMAs' most honorable award as an Asian singer. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) 

 

 

SEOUL, Nov. 22 (Yonhap) -- BTS has presented Korea with the honor of becoming the first Asian country to have the first Asian winner of the biggest Awards of the AMAs.

Koreans are paying keen attention to whether BTS may be able to be specially cleared of their military obligations in return for bringing such achievement to their home country.

As the government has announced that they will be re-discussing whether to make amendment to the Military Service Act to enable pop-culture artists who have highly contributed to the country to serve as artist or sports agents instead on the 25th, the music industry is on all ears to the matter.

National Defense Commission's subcommittee on legislation will be discussing an amendment to the Military Service Act on the 25th including the details mentioned above, according to the music scene Monday.

The current Military Service Act states that one who is exceptionally talented in arts or sports to a degree fit to the Presidential decree and are recommended by the minister of culture, sports and tourism will work as an artist or sports agent instead joining the army.

But as the current Act does not include pop-culture as specialty in arts and sports fields, some people from the music industry pointed out that although pop megastars like BTS are boosting Korea’s cultural status, they still cannot be approved as artist or sports agents.

As a result, the National Defense Commission's subcommittee on legislation has decided to look into these revisions to include pop-art into arts and sports field. The committee is planning a general meeting on the 26th as well.

“This month will be last chance for BTS to receive an advantage over military service. We ask for the National Defense Commission's subcommittee on legislation to make a meaningful decision for the pop-culture industry this time,” said the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) releasing press materials.

“Despite their unprecedented accomplishments, BTS are treated less than those engaged pure-art. We must break the prejudice and bias that people have against pop-artists,” added the KMCA.

The band’s eldest member Jin, born in 1992, must join the army by the end of next year, even if the minister of culture, sports and tourism specially recommends postponing his enlistment.

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