BTS member J-Hope was proposed to host the International Military Cooking Competition but the idea was stopped by the Minister of National Defense.
Minister Suh Wonsik raised his voice on the use of celebrity soldiers in military events during the budget settlement special committee meeting of the National Assembly on the 7th of November. In particular, he mentioned the fourth International Military Cooking Competition, which selects the top chefs from the Korean, American, and Singaporean military forces. He drew attention by mentioning the case of offering MC duties to J-Hope, a celebrity soldier.
Minister Suh stated, “On this day, there was a suggestion to have one announcer and BTS (J-Hope) observe the military event. In my opinion, BTS’s diligent fulfillment of military duty, like other soldiers, is a good example for the public and a natural duty. I have instructed not to assign any other tasks to soldiers who have joined the military from the entertainment industry.”
In response, Representative Yoo Yong-ho of the main opposition party agreed with Minister Suh’s intentions, saying, “This is a good measure. It is an embarrassing act to utilize celebrities in the military, as all young people in South Korea should serve in the military without exception, according to the principle.”
J-Hope enlisted in the 36th Infantry Division Training Center in Wonju, Gangwon Province on April 18th and received basic military training. He was selected as an instructor in the 36th Infantry Division Training Center of the Army.
Above all, J-Hope was selected as a special warrior, given to soldiers who demonstrate exceptional skills during their military service, while serving as an instructor in the 5th Infantry Division Training Center of the Army last month.
Source: (A)
