SEOUL (ANN/KOREA HERALD) – The Ministry of National Defence has dismissed allegations that BTS member V, also known as Kim Tae-hyung, received preferential treatment during his military service, allowing him to use a mobile phone during prohibited hours.
The claims surfaced after former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin mentioned in an interview that she had received a text message from V while he was serving in the military. The comments sparked online speculation about whether the global K-pop idol had been granted undue privileges.
On Thursday, the ministry addressed the issue following complaints filed with the military police. A defense ministry official clarified, “At the army training center where Kim served, trainees are permitted to use mobile phones for one hour on weekends and public holidays. It has been confirmed that Kim used his phone during these approved times, not during early morning hours as claimed.”
The official further stated, “There was no instance of Kim receiving special permission or leniency to use his phone outside the standard guidelines.”
Due to privacy laws, the ministry declined to disclose specifics regarding the timing or content of V’s communication with Min Hee-jin.
The controversy began after Min appeared on music critic Kim Young-dae’s YouTube broadcast School of Music last month, where she remarked, “V occasionally calls from the military. Once, he called and asked if I was okay amid the issues with Hybe. He even sent me a text wishing me a happy birthday early in the morning.”
Min’s birthday, December 16, occurred just days after V began his military service on December 11 last year as a trainee. The comments led to online discussions and a formal complaint questioning whether V had been granted undue privileges as a high-profile celebrity.
Currently serving with the Special Duty Team in the Military Police Corps, V has not commented on the allegations. He is scheduled to complete his military service and be discharged on June 10 next year.
V and Min worked closely together on his debut solo album Layover, released last September, with Min overseeing various aspects of the project, including music, choreography, and promotional designs.
The defence ministry’s firm denial aims to address public concerns and reinforce the principle of equal treatment for all service members, regardless of their status or profession.
