J-Hope, member of K-pop’s BTS, finishes military service in South Korea

SEOUL – K-pop star J-Hope, a member of the boy band BTS, was discharged from South Korea’s military on Oct 17 after 18 months of duty.

He is the second member of the seven-member supergroup to wrap up the mandatory national service that has put their music careers on hold. BTS’ oldest member Jin finished his service in June.

J-Hope, 30, wearing a uniform and a black beret, was smiling as he was greeted by Jin, who came with a big bouquet of flowers, and over 100 cheering fans as well as reporters upon his release at a military base in Wonju, Gangwon province.

Dressed in red, Jin, 31, who is scheduled to release his first solo album in November, ceded the spotlight to his bandmate. He got into a squat on the ground and helped to hold up the many microphones passed to J-Hope for his comments.

“Thanks to the fans, I was able to finish it (the service) safely, with health,” J-Hope told those gathered.

“What I’ve felt for the past year and a half is that a lot of soldiers are working hard, dedicating themselves and doing so much to protect the country,” he added, asking the public for their support and love for those serving in the military.

Shares in Hybe, the label which houses BTS, rose 4.7 per cent in early trade versus a flat wider market.

J-Hope’s discharge comes at a turbulent time for Hybe, which has been locked in an ugly months-long dispute with music producer Min Hee-jin and the girl group NewJeans.

BTS member Suga was also recently fined 15 million won (S$14,400) for drink-driving on an electric scooter. The rapper, who has a long-standing shoulder injury, has been a social service agent since September 2023 to meet his mandatory military duty commitment.

The final four members of the group – RM, V, Jimin and Jungkook – began their service in December 2023, with the band expected to reunite in 2025 after they all complete their duty. REUTERS