(Photo: Yonhap)
Lawmakers are mulling a bill that would allow prominent pop celebrities like members of the supergroup BTS to substitute their mandatory military service for other public service.
A National Assembly subcommittee deliberated on the bill Thursday but failed to draw a conclusion.
An official said representatives from both the ruling and opposition parties gave mixed opinions and agreed to hold a public hearing on the bill.
Under current law, all able-bodied South Korean men must carry out compulsory military service for about two years.
Exemptions have only been given to international award-winning athletes and classical musicians for their roles in elevating the country's reputation abroad.
The defense ministry stressed the need for "prudence" in considering whether to allow active-duty service exemptions for BTS and other top artists, citing the country's shrinking population and other factors.
Please send comments to tbsefmnews@gmail.com / copyright © tbs. Unauthorized redistribution prohibited.
