On October 7, members of the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly of South Korea met with Commissioner Lee Ki Shik of the Military Manpower Administration to discuss the matter of mandatory military service for boy group BTS. 

On this day, assemblyman Sul Hoon of the Democratic Part of Korea spoke up in favor of granting BTS mandatory service exemption. The assemblyman asked Commissioner Lee Ki Shik, "Commissioner, do you know The Beatles? Do you know that there is a group called BTS, considered on an equivalent level to The Beatles?"

Sul Hoon continued when talking about the reputation of BTS as their country: "Look at the bigger picture. What will you choose? It is my opinion that this issue be thoroughly reviewed. We need to actually consider what is best for the Republic of Korea. If we think about the sheer influence that BTS has had in Korea and across the globe, we can see that this group has already contributed much more in terms of influence for South Korea, more than what they would contribute through approximately two years of mandatory military service.

It cannot be denied that BTS played the #1 role in making South Korea as a nation known throughout the world today. If BTS were to be disbanded, that in itself is the greatest loss for South Korea. It seems that by the end of this year, two members will have to halt their BTS activities. That means no more BTS as we know it. Will we sit and watch while that happens?"

On the other hand, assemblyman Han Ki Ho of the People Power Party spoke against the granting of mandatory service exemption for BTS. In his argument, Han Ki Ho referenced rap lyrics written by BTS member SUGA, and said, "These are the lyrics they wrote. 'We'll go to the military on our own when the time comes, so all of you b******* who want to sell our name for a piece of our pie, you all just shut the f*** up'."

Han Ki Ho then claimed, "Because there has been so much controversy over this matter, [BTS] even made a song like this. So why is there even a debate regarding this topic in the first place? They themselves say they want to serve in the military. Prolonging this whole issue can product a serious contradiction in our society, creating social divides, allowing certain groups to exercise special privileges, and giving more privileges to the already 'have's."

Meanwhile, Commissioner Lee Ki Shik of the Military Manpower Administration was also asked to share his thoughts on the issue. He observed, "There is currently a decline in the number of volunteers who wish to serve in the military. Not to mention, the most important part of mandatory military service is equity and justice. In this regard, I believe that it will be desirable for BTS to carry out their mandatory duties."

The Commissioner also stated during this session, "In response to the decline in the number of youths who wish to volunteer for the military, we plan to cut back alternative service and public service roles. These roles will also be cut back for figures in the fine arts and music."

The lyrics mentioned in the conversation are from the song "What Do You Think?" released by Suga 2 years ago.The story of the military service issue has caused many negative effects on BTS's reputation in the past time. The lyrics that SUGA wrote seem to be BTS's forever affirmation of this issue.

Recently, the issue of BTS's military service is being actively discussed by the National Assembly because Jin is nearing the age of enlistment. However, no official decision has been made yet, although government representatives have replied that there is little chance that BTS will receive special military service.

Many people think that opinion surveys and previously discussed issues have become meaningless while the time to consider this issue has been around for a long time. Not only that, it also becomes the center of attention when mentioned. This is like people taking advantage of BTS's fame to stir up public opinion.

In the frustration of many because of the unclear answers from the government, the lyrics of the song “What Do You Think?” SUGA's debut in 2020 suddenly became hot again. Specifically, SUGA expressed his thoughts in front of discussions surrounding whether BTS's achievements are big enough to receive exemption from mandatory military service.

SUGA's frankness when it comes to this issue makes many people extremely supportive. Many netizens think that this story should be stopped because BTS members are all ready for military service and they never thought they would deny this.

On a Korean online forum, many netizens also expressed their opinion about these statements:

- I'm not a fan of anyone, but BTS always says they will enlist, so stop criticizing them.

- The first time I read this lyrics, I was shocked because I didn't expect him to write frank lyrics like that

- They will definitely enlist, haters, pls hear

- Remember that time, when politicians and representatives of entertainment companies met to discuss the military service of K-Pop artists, every company sent representatives to come, except for Big Hit. After that, all the articles posted had BTS's name on it, and all the scoldings were poured on BTS's head. It's true that these people are trying to take advantage of BTS ㅋㅋㅋ The military problem has been going on for years but these companies are using BTS as a shield, as an excuse to benefit their own family ㅋㅋㅋ If they don't enlist in the army then SUGA would get criticized for the lyrics he wrote, but companies that are acting exactly like these rap lines are so damn bad ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-. Bangtan never said he won't enlist, so why do you keep criticizing?

- Not a fan of BTS but what people criticize BTS for is really outrageous, this is a government problem

- Should know that this law applies for all Kpop artist, not only BTS, but the other artists need to work as much as BTS does

- So pity for BTS and ARMY, even politicians want to take advantage of them

- The lyric is so exact

- They’re arguing about this specific issue for only one reason…political leverage.

- The government need to leave BTS alone.

- They're all going crazy . Leave the boys alone . They never said they'll not do it . These people have been stretching this article for years now . Smh

- BTS are at the age where they can decide to and perform the military duty, they could literally go right now.

- ”If BTS were to be disbanded ” No one is talking about disbanding. It would be a f**king hiatus. Get your facts straight.

- Why is there even a debate? BTS have said they will fulfil their military duties, its a non issue

- It’s clearly shown who put this matter on difficult situation. They said they want to do it, why do the government make it so complicated?