KMCA [the Korea Music Content Association] has filed a written objection against the newly revised military service law that is set to take effect on June 23, 2021.
As previously announced, a new military service law would allow popular culture artists to postpone their enlistment until the age of 30 under the conditions that the individuals must be recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and be among the recipients of the Order of Cultural Merit.
The KMCA has filed an objection on the behalf of 26 Kpop agencies registered with the association, they call the new enforcement law ‘unrealistic’ and ‘very difficult to be attained by Kpop idols.’
Since the only way to qualify for postponement is to be a recipient of the Order of Cultural Merit, KMCA argues that it is a not a ‘reasonable qualification,’ and is ‘nearly impossible for individuals in their 20s to receive it’ since one of the criteria for the medal is that the individual must be active in the field of pop culture and art for at least 15 years.
The KMCA explains that in order for any male kpop idol to qualify for this, they must debut as teens and work at least all of their 20s in order to be eligible to receive it, and even then, the law would probably be of no use. For idols who debuted in their 20s, its impossible for them to qualify for it.
In the case of BTS, it was an unusual phenomenon as they’ve written history for kpop acts and Korean artists globally. They’re the youngest recipients of the Korean government’s Order of Cultural Merit.
You can have a look at the members of the KMCA here.
Do you think this law is fair?
Source: (A)
Totally fair.. The amount of profit and worldwide fame BTS bought to Korea is unrealistic too. They can’t afford to lose them to military at their peak.