Hallyu stars' privilege?
[2006.03.15)The Korea Herald
Lee Seung-yup said after bringing victory to his national team with a two-run homer in a game at the World Baseball Classic: "I hit the ball a little harder to help the boys get the privilege in conscription." He was referring to the present conscription system in which sports players and artists who win championships or top prizes in recognized international competitions are exempted from active military service.
The WBC games are ongoing and we still don't know if Lee's wishes for his junior teammates will be realized at Anaheim, California. But the casual remark of the baseball hero stirred a debate in entertainment circles where leading figures are calling for equal privileges for "Hallyu" stars who are also raising Korea's national prestige with their explosively popular performances overseas. Entertainers said to deserve such special favor include Rain, Seven and Kangta from vocal group H.O.T. who are at the conscription age.
The Military Services Law provides that "persons with outstanding talent in the arts and sports fields" recommended by the minister of culture and tourism can be exempted from active military service and be allowed to engage in the arts and sports activities "to promote culture and enhance national prestige." A number of amateur and professional sportsmen have benefited from this provision.
Now the debate in public forums and cyber space are centered on a few difficult questions. Rain has not won any prize in an international song festival. However, the pop music world does not have its version of the P.I. Tchaikovsky Contest and his popularity cannot be measured by any number of trophies, some argue. Others doubt that society should recognize Rain's time more valuable than that of any other young individuals in their chosen trades. Opponents of special treatment in military service for the "Korean Wave" stars point out that they have already been rewarded with big money.
Managers and families of these popular entertainers will rack their brains to find a way to help them remain in their performing career as long as possible. But ultimately it is up to the conscience of Rain, Seven and Kangta to compare the values in life of patrolling the DMZ fence and enthralling thousands of fans in a concert. Movie actor Won Bin has already reported for duty, while Pianist Iruma announced he would join the Army soon.
Lee Seung-yup said after bringing victory to his national team with a two-run homer in a game at the World Baseball Classic: "I hit the ball a little harder to help the boys get the privilege in conscription." He was referring to the present conscription system in which sports players and artists who win championships or top prizes in recognized international competitions are exempted from active military service.
The WBC games are ongoing and we still don't know if Lee's wishes for his junior teammates will be realized at Anaheim, California. But the casual remark of the baseball hero stirred a debate in entertainment circles where leading figures are calling for equal privileges for "Hallyu" stars who are also raising Korea's national prestige with their explosively popular performances overseas. Entertainers said to deserve such special favor include Rain, Seven and Kangta from vocal group H.O.T. who are at the conscription age.
The Military Services Law provides that "persons with outstanding talent in the arts and sports fields" recommended by the minister of culture and tourism can be exempted from active military service and be allowed to engage in the arts and sports activities "to promote culture and enhance national prestige." A number of amateur and professional sportsmen have benefited from this provision.
Now the debate in public forums and cyber space are centered on a few difficult questions. Rain has not won any prize in an international song festival. However, the pop music world does not have its version of the P.I. Tchaikovsky Contest and his popularity cannot be measured by any number of trophies, some argue. Others doubt that society should recognize Rain's time more valuable than that of any other young individuals in their chosen trades. Opponents of special treatment in military service for the "Korean Wave" stars point out that they have already been rewarded with big money.
Managers and families of these popular entertainers will rack their brains to find a way to help them remain in their performing career as long as possible. But ultimately it is up to the conscience of Rain, Seven and Kangta to compare the values in life of patrolling the DMZ fence and enthralling thousands of fans in a concert. Movie actor Won Bin has already reported for duty, while Pianist Iruma announced he would join the Army soon.
posted by Flor at 8:44 PM
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