By Park Si-soo
The Defense Ministry Thursday received rare praise from the public for its decision to disband the “entertainment soldier” squad of singers and actors serving their mandatory military service.
Of course, some postings were rueful about the retirement of the system. Facebook and Twitter as well as news portals were flooded with supportive comments, complimenting Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin.
“Thank you, Minister Kim. You made a great decision,” a Facebook message read. “This is the best decision you have ever made.” Another message said, “I’m happy to know that the ministry and the public are on the same page regarding the issue.”
Thousands of such comments were tagged in major portal websites.
Some expressed sympathy to the affected soldiers, including two singer-soldiers Private Choi Dong-uk, whose stage name is Seven; and Private First Class Lee Sang-cheol whose stage name is Sangchoo.
They were concerned that their imminent transfer to regular military service will expose them to harsh treatment and possibly being bullied.
Many said Jung Ji-hoon, better known as Rain, was really lucky for completing his two-year military duty on July 10 amid the controversy. “How lucky he is!” a message said obviously with a strong dose of cynicism. “He has left an amazing farewell gift for his subordinates.”
Meanwhile, the responses from the talent agencies were mixed but such an overwhelming support for the disbandment is attributable to a widespread perception that military duty is an equally shared responsibility among able-bodied men.
Military service has also become hot, as a reality program detailing military life titled “Real Men” is posting high ratings. With nearly all male adults having served in the armed forces ㅡ mostly at humble military barracks in remote parts of the country ㅡ it’s understandable that those enjoying preferential treatment in the service are subject to public condemnation and even bullying.
In an extreme case, singer Yoo Seung-jun has found himself permanently banned from the country’s showbiz industry after he acquired U.S. citizenship in 2002 to evade military service.
The star-studded squad was established in August 2000 to host morale-boosting recreational events at military bases across the country. Choi and Lee joined the military in March and October, respectively.
South Korea requires all able-bodied men to serve about two to three years in the military, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War that ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.