Recently, issues related to BTS's military service are more concern than ever. It comes from the suggestions of the mayor of Busan to the office of the President.
However, in contrast to being supported, the Busan mayor's proposals were heavily criticized. Not only that but some ARMYs are also worried that if that happens, BTS will become a puppet in the hands of the government.
Since BTS is globally famous, they have done a lot to promote the country. Although it is a responsibility and pride to be able to honor Korea's name, the increasing number of politicians taking advantage of BTS's reputation makes fans uncomfortable.
Many people expressed that it can be a responsibility for BTS to use their influence to promote the country, but they need to be respected. Not only that, ARMYs have even discovered that many politicians use BTS's popularity for personal gain, typically the question of holding an October concert here in Busan.
Busan Mayor Park Hyung-Joon has faced a lot of criticism for holding the concert at a venue that lacks facilities and infrastructure. ARMYs even found out his true intentions because this is where he owns a lot of lands and intends to build Urban Loop.
Not only that, but recently the mayor of Busan along with some politicians discussed BTS alternate military service for 34 months. He thought this will help a lot in attracting Busan Expo.
If this happens, it means that BTS will perform their military service in the form of public service using their arts-related expertise. BTS will have to carry out 544 hours of government-designated promotional and artistic activities in 34 months. During that time, they will still be able to perform other activities.
But the reaction of ARMYs and netizens was contrary to expectations. They think the mayor of Busan is trying to control what happens to the boys.
Many people think that BTS would rather do military service than being put under government arrest in the form of alternative military service. Many people commented that performing military service instead would make BTS lose their freedom in choosing promotional activities.
In addition, BTS could be exploited if both HYBE and the government try to keep profits from them. Many people also pointed out that this proposal is inherently not in favor of BTS and it is also difficult to implement because previously the Ministry of Defense also stated that it is difficult to consider alternative military service for BTS.
