By Yoon Da-been
K-pop mega group BTS who took the global music scene by storm once again with its latest hit single Dynamite is at the center of a national debate over their mandatory military service.
Under the current law, all able-bodied South Korean men are obliged to serve in the military for 18 to 22 months.
However, the current law allows exemptions and deferrals for classical musicians and high-achieving athletes considered to have contributed to the promotion of national prestige.
Unfortunately, the law does not apply to pop artists like BTS and whether the law should cover pop culture has been a controversial issue.