Politician Addresses Massive Backlash For Allegedly Exploiting BTS

A politician who called on BTS to perform at a concert for the disastrous 2023 World Scout Jamboree responded to the backlash.

BTS | Los Angeles Times

On August 9, People Power Party assemblyman Sung Il Jong appeared on an MBC radio show.

Sung Il Jong | Chungnam Ilbo

On this day, the politician spoke about BTS and gave the group deserving praise for their incredible contributions to K-Pop and Korean culture as a whole.

 BTS is Korea’s treasure. They are the best artists who are at the precipice of the Hallyu wave and are leading the cultural movement in its highest form.

— Sung Il Jong

The politician then revealed why he called on the supergroup to perform at the international event.

The highlight of the event is the K-Pop concert. I asked them to perform because I felt it would help make a beautiful memory of Korea for the participants and gift them with an unforgettable gift.

— Sung Il Jong

Sung Il Jong also addressed the strong backlash he received for calling on the group in a public forum before revealing that he was at the forefront of a bill that would grant the supergroup immunity from the military.

I think ARMYs have misunderstood me. I think they are disappointed because we sent BTS to the military and are now asking them to save the Jamboree. To be honest, the politician who led a bill to grant amnesty for BTS was me. Because I understood the value of this treasure and because BTS are musicians who the nation can be proud of, I tried to afford them immunity.

— Sung Il Jong

As for criticism stating that the politician was viewing the group as an instrument at the government’s disposal, the politician tried to clarify his stance.

I gave an opinion as to whether it would be possible for the group to perform at the International event for scouts. Of course, because they have taken some time off (from group activities), it would be hard for all the members to perform. I feel discussing these things is necessary.

— Sung Il Jong

When asked if there had been any discussions about BTS performing, the politician answered, “I haven’t checked.”

BTS at J-Hope’s enlistment | YNA

Previously, Sung Il Jong caused an outcry when during a public committee meeting, the politician called on the Ministry Of Defense to have J-Hope and Jin perform at the Jamboree, which has been plagued by a lack of preparation and has sparked allegations of misappropriating event money to fund politician’s lavish lifestyles. Read more about it in the link below.

Korean ARMYs Call Out Politicians For Using BTS To Save Face… Again