Ahn Cheol-soo visits HYBE to talk ways to promote Korean culture

Presidential transition committee Chairman Ahn Cheol-soo visits the headquarters of HYBE, the K-pop powerhouse that manages BTS, in Yongsan-gu, central Seoul.

With an attempt to discuss ways to promote Korean culture, Ahn and the members of different subcommittees hoped to listen to what the new administration can do for start-ups and entertainment industry.

Officials of President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol's transition team and HYBE continued the discussion on ways to provide sustainable environment for the artists amid COVID-19 pademic with the use of latest media technologies, including the metaverse platform.

While many expected Ahn and HYBE officials to discuss about granting exemptions from military service to pop artists who have helped elevate the country’s global standing, like BTS, Shin Yong-hyun, a spokesman for the transition committee, announced that such discussion will not be made in a regular briefing on Friday.

Under the current law, all able-bodied Korean men are obliged to serve in the military. But with the culture minister’s recommendation, international award-winning athletes and classical musicians can complete their service while remaining active professionally.

By Lee Si-jin (sj_lee@heraldcorp.com)