BTS May Receive An Allowance For Their Military Service – Here’s Why Fans Are Unhappy
BTS‘s national military service has been a widely debated as a sensitive topic. On the one hand, BTS contributes significantly to South Korea’s economy and the continuation of the Hallyu Wave. On the other hand, BTS themselves have expressed their desire to serve the nation, and there are not currently any criteria in place for pop culture artists receiving exemptions.
On August 1st, 2022, Lee Jong Sub, the Defense Minister of South Korea, spoke up about a special allowance that may be possible for BTS. While the allowance would still have the members fulfill their national service, it would also allow “for BTS to be given time to practice and perform overseas after they enlist.”
While some fans are debating whether or not this possible compromise would overwork BTS to an unfair extent…
so basically they want bts to serve in the military AND make money for the government at the same time. this is not a "reduced exemption", this is exploitation. https://t.co/VHaPT1Km7v
— noire (@siIverykoo) August 1, 2022
Lmfao Sk want BTS to serve in Military but at the same time they want them to carry the economy?! Are they serious?!?
— Charlotte⁷ Vote Vmas (@youazz7) August 1, 2022
More fans are voicing their frustration with the timing of this important announcement. Although the news is understandably a highly-discussed topic, fans are pointing out that the release of the information negatively coincides with J-Hope‘s showstopping Lollapalooza performance.
The talented idol made history as he headlined the music festival, but, as fans are pointing out, news outlets are focusing on the military news and not on celebrating J-Hope’s accomplishments.
everyone talking about hobi making history at lollapalooza… except his own country. he was the first korean artist to headline a major US festival and had the highest number of attendees but instead naver is filled with military news related to bts… kmedia is too transparent
— agust d⁷ (@pjmyoongii) August 1, 2022
Fans are disappointed with the comparison in coverage between the possible military service allowance and J-Hope’s record-breaking achievements.
a Korean artist made history today to headline a major US festival with the highest number of audience for a Korean artist every but there’s barely any articles about it on naver however it’s clogged up with that military news articles. I’m so pissed of rn
— dasti (@2seokily) August 1, 2022
Fans are also upset that news outlets capitalizing on BTS’s success without actually supporting the global icons have seemingly become a never-ending pattern.
and notice how every damn time bts achieves something ground breaking, these articles get released at the same time… they have no problem reaping the benefits of bts’ success and impact but don’t wanna give them the credit they deserve. free bts from those leeches.
— agust d⁷ (@pjmyoongii) August 1, 2022
It never fails to surprise me how filthy k-media is because EVERYTIME BTS or one of the members does anything historic they find a way to bring up the military IMMEDIATELY. Like they need to rest. We already know they hate them but at least pretend for a few minutes
— Joy⁷🇿🇼💜 (@BTSareHumans) August 1, 2022
Other fans are pointing out that besides even J-Hope’s incredible accomplishments, BTS also has a lot of other newsworthy topics that the news could be prioritizing. But instead, all the focus is on the possible allowance.
not a fucking article about how hobi has literally made history, how bts are doing a World Cup song, nothing of that but they will put out dumb ass articles about how bts should serve them both in military and perform for their benefit. i really hope it DOESNT affect the boys
— sumi (@honeylikebts) August 1, 2022
You can read about the potential allowance here.
You can read about J-Hope’s Lollapalooza performance here.
BTS’s J-Hope Went By A Different Name At “Lollapalooza” And His New Persona Was Truly Uncensored
