Can South Korean Soldiers Use Mobile Phones During Training? LE SSERAFIM Fan Files Complaint Against BTS’ V

A fan purported to be part of the K-pop group LE SSERAFIM has lodged a complaint against BTS’ V with the Ministry of National Defense, alleging a breach of military regulations after Min Hee-jin revealed that he had sent her messages. According to South Korean media outlet Sports Kyunghyang, this incident was brought to light when ADOR’s CEO Min Hee-jin discussed on Kim Young-dae’s School of Music YouTube program her interactions with V since his enlistment on December 11, 2024, including birthday wishes and words of encouragement.

On the same day, a community platform user identified as Ne*** made a post indicating that they had filed an official complaint against V for purportedly violating military protocols, which they claim forbids soldiers from using their mobile devices during training sessions.

As reported by Sports Kyunghyang, the individual appeared to be an admirer of LE SSERAFIM, sharing insights about the group.

In their post, they stated,

“This is a serious violation of military law, and I suspect that the higher-ups turned a blind eye to his cellphone use because he was a famous K-pop idol.”

However, as per Namdo News, regulations from the Military Manpower Administration allow soldiers to use their phones for one hour on weekends and public holidays during training. This new policy applies to soldiers who enlisted in the latter half of 2023 and has been extended into early 2024.

Additionally, once soldiers are assigned to specific units after basic training, they may use their phones during set hours: from 6 PM to 9 PM KST on weekdays and from 8:30 AM to 9 PM KST on holidays.

Insights on Min Hee-jin’s communications with BTS’ V and the fan’s complaint

Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin, who worked as a creative director on BTS’ Kim Taehyung’s first solo album Layover, mentioned that she has maintained contact with the idol during his military service. In a recent livestream on School of Music by Kim Young-dae, she shared,

“V occasionally calls me from the military. Despite his situation, he reaches out in a cheerful manner, asking, ‘Are you okay?’ When the news first broke, he even expressed concern about when he could reach out to me.”

She also added,

“On my birthday, V sent me a text at dawn wishing me a happy birthday. His positive energy and lively demeanor made me really grateful. It’s heartwarming, and I appreciate that gesture.”

Min Hee-jin’s comments have sparked considerable discussion online, prompting the aforementioned netizen to formally accuse V of breaking military rules regarding phone usage.

The complaint was titled,

“Soldier V sent a text message in the early morning.”

In their complaint, they sought a thorough investigation into the activities of the BTS member, referencing fellow group member Suga’s previous DUI incident as well.

BTS member Kim Taehyung commenced his military service on December 11, 2023, alongside RM, and completed five weeks at the Nonsan Training Center. He is currently undergoing an additional three weeks of training for the Special Duty Team. According to Chosun Daily, he is now assigned to the special military police unit under the 2nd Army Corps stationed in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province.

Source

Images Credit: We.com