The Korean government has called on BTS to help them save face.
On August 8, Sung Il Jong, a member of the ruling party (People Power Party, called on the K-Pop supergroup to perform at a concert for the disastrous 25th World Scout Jamboree, which has been plagued by eye-watering temperatures and shocking lack of preparation.
On this day, Sung Il Jong asked Korea’s Ministry Of Defense if they were preparing to have BTS members, including those serving in the military, perform at a concert for the participants.
We at the People Power Party have said that BTS members who are serving in the military should perform. Are you making the preparations?
— Sung Il Jong
The politician had earlier written in a Facebook post, “I am asking the Ministry Of Defense to allow BTS to raise the prestige of the nation at the 25th World Scout Jamboree.”
A spokesman for the ministry responded to the request stating that they would have to discuss that with HYBE.
I feel this is something that needs to be discussed with the relative branches of the military as well as the celebrity’s label.
— Jeon Ha Kyu
Meanwhile, the 25th World Scout Jamboree held at Saemangeum in the North Jeolla province has been an international embarrassment. The event saw 43,000 scouts from 158 countries but has been maligned by a deadly heat wave, which has forced thousands to evacuate and pull out of the event.
Amid this, controversy has erupted after news of the event’s ill-preparedness went viral. The nightmare has sparked allegations of misappropriating taxpayer money, which should have been used for the event.
