South Korea's mandatory 18-month military service has long included provisions for athletes and musicians to receive exemptions based on their achievements.

However, the recent conclusion of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games has ignited a profound discussion regarding the fairness and necessity of these exemptions.

BTS and Beyond 

During a National Defense Committee audit of the Military Manpower Administration on October 13, both ruling and opposition parties suggested a reevaluation of the supplementary military service system.

This development emerged in response to concerns about the high percentage of non-serving athletes among the national teams that participated in the Asian Games.

Representative Lim Byeong Heon of the People Power Party questioned whether the Asian Games were being manipulated as a means to secure military service benefits, pointing to cases where athletes on victorious teams received exemptions even if they did not personally participate in the games. 

In some sports, there are cases where athletes who have not participated in a single match despite winning first place in the team are receiving military benefits, raising issues of fairness.

This incident should be an opportunity to closely review the entire alternative military service system, including those in the arts and sports. 

These concerns extend beyond just the realm of sports; they have prompted calls for a comprehensive review of the supplementary military service system across various categories, including arts and sports.

We believe a comprehensive review of the supplementary military service system is necessary... We will examine the supplementary military service system, which is classified into categories such as arts and sports personnel, industrial function personnel, and public health doctors, and check to see what needs to be maintained, abolished, or reduced. 

Lee Ki Sik, the head of the Military Manpower Administration, supported this stance, underlining the necessity for a thorough review to identify areas that require modification or maintenance.

The supplementary military service system permits individuals who meet specific criteria, among those subject to active duty enlistment, to serve as specialized personnel in various fields as a substitute for traditional military service.

 This setup has been criticized as effectively serving as a "military exemption." Consequently, the military benefits conferred upon Olympic and Asian Games gold medalists have reignited debates about fairness and opportunity.

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Comparisons have been made between Asian Games gold medalists and the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, often considered a national treasure for South Korea. 

Simultaneously, others contend that with a decreasing number of men serving in the military, it may be time to reconsider military benefits and exemptions for all.Some argue that even BTS members have adhered to the military service requirement, raising questions about the preferential treatment received by athletes. 

Netizens' comments: 

• "BTS is definitely breaking stereotypes! Their global success and influence in the music industry is inspiring for many young people."
• "I think the military service waiver for gold medalists is unfair. Everyone should fulfill their mandatory service regardless of their achievements."
• "It's a tough debate. On one hand, gold medalists have worked hard to bring honor to their country, but on the other hand, military service is a responsibility that should apply to all citizens."
• "I admire BTS for using their platform to challenge stereotypes and address important societal issues. They are truly making a positive impact."
• "The controversy surrounding the military service waiver shows how complex this issue is. It's important to have a fair and transparent policy for all citizens."
• "BTS has become a symbol of hope and empowerment, showing that dreams can be achieved regardless of societal expectations. They are definitely breaking stereotypes."

The debate over military exemptions for gold medalists has cast a spotlight on the fairness and necessity of the current system, emphasizing the need for a systematic review to ensure the equitable treatment of all citizens subject to mandatory military service.

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Cassidy Jones wrote this.