Seoul: J-Hope, a member of the globally celebrated K-pop group BTS, is scheduled to be discharged from his mandatory military service this Thursday, following an 18-month stint. He will be the second member of the band to return to civilian life after Jin, who completed his service earlier this year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, J-Hope enlisted in April and has served as an assistant drill instructor at the 36th Army Infantry Division boot camp in Wonju, located about 90 kilometers southeast of Seoul. His role followed the completion of his basic training, positioning him in a key supportive role within the military structure.
During a recent interaction on the fan community platform Weverse, J-Hope expressed a deep sense of pride and attachment towards his time in the military, reflecting positively on his experiences. “I am proud and confident as I look back on my military service. I also feel somewhat attached to my time here,” he stated.
Jin, the first BTS member to be discharged this year, has bee
n actively participating in various events, including a torch relay for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. He is also gearing up for a solo project release next month, signaling a successful transition back into his professional endeavors.
As for J-Hope, his upcoming discharge is eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide. BigHit Music, the agency representing BTS, has announced that there will be no public event marking his return due to safety concerns. However, fans are hopeful that J-Hope will soon resume his individual artistic activities.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for a period ranging from 18 to 21 months, a mandate that includes celebrities and public figures.