By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Male dancers and musicians have expressed concern over the termination of certain exemptions from military service.
As of Jan. 1, entertainers who only win domestic contests will no longer be eligible for the 34 months of alternative service ― a de facto exemption.
The Office of Military Manpower Administration announced that those who win international competitions will be eligible for the privilege.
Dancers said the mandatory military service could stiffen their muscles, adversely affecting their body.
A Dance Association of Korea spokesman said the new rule will jeopardize careers ― a sentiment seconded by Lee Chul-gu, the director of the Music Association of Korea.
The dance and music associations are appealing to the administration to reconsider the plan.
``Only acknowledging international awards proves the government is still a toady with regard to domestic standards,'' they said, adding that if the privilege is only given to international winners, they will upgrade contests here to international levels.
``Remember, Soprano Sumi Jo, Pianist Chung Myung-whun and others all started their careers in domestic contests. Now no one will participate here,'' Lee said.
According to sources, the presidential transition team is allegedly sympathetic to their cause.
However, the government is showing no signs of backing down. An administration spokesman said sportsmen get the same level of exemption only when they win international contests such as the World Cup or at the Olympics, and it was not fair to give the privilege only to artists. ``Giving a special exemption to artists is unfair,'' Kim Hae-kyue, an office worker in Seoul, said.
Sixteen winners of domestic dance and music contests enjoyed the privilege last year.