A music group in South Korea has filed a complaint against the BTS law that gives preferential treatment to K-pop idols from performing their mandatory military service.

The Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) said that the law, passed in February 2021, is "unrealistic and unfair." They want the Ministry of National Defense to reconsider the amendment before it takes effect in June this year.

Government officials deliberated on the BTS law in 2020, which aims to recognize the significant cultural contributions of pop musicians like BTS to the country. As such, male artists who are part of a pop group, who have also received cultural medals and government awards because of their work, can delay their military enlistment until they are 30 years old.

This means that BTS member Jin, who is the first to turn 28, could still continue with his work with the group for the next two years. BTS fans, who call themselves the ARMY, have been concerned that the group could disband or lose their appeal if Jin temporarily halts his career for military service.

The next BTS member expected to sign up would be Suga, who will technically reach his last enlistment date eligibility in 2022. Because of the new law, his enlistment would not be until 2024. RM will follow Suga, and then Jimin and V, between 2026 to 2028. By the time they get out, Jungkook should be the last BTS member to enlist in the military. Essentially, this means that BTS' careers will be impacted in the next few years when they have to do their duties for the country.

Similar exemptions or extensions have been according to South Korean athletes and international musicians who have given the country pride and honor internationally. But the KMCA said that no other pop musician could benefit from this new exemption except BTS.

In an unprecedented instance, BTS received their Order of Cultural Merit from President Moon Jae-in in 2018 when the group first scaled the charts globally. KMCA said that, realistically, the Order of Cultural Merit is given to musicians whose career has spanned more than 15 years or are at least 60 years old.

For a K-pop idol to benefit from this exemption, he would have to start his musical career at 13 years old. BTS has been the exception since they reached global success after just five years in the business.

The group also said this new law discriminates against other industries, such as start-up businesses formed by young entrepreneurs who have been doing well abroad.

Around 200,000 South Korean men have to interrupt school or work for at least 18 months to serve in the military. But some lawmakers have opposed the amendment since there are fewer men enlisting to sustain their military due to the low birth rates in the country. (Business Times)

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