(Wonju) J-hope, the K-pop megastar and member of the group BTS was discharged Thursday after 18 months of military service, and praised the “sacrifice” of soldiers who keep the country safe. Dozens of fans, some in tears, came to celebrate his return to civilian life.
Posted at 9:18 a.m.
Updated at 11:45 a.m.
The boys band the world’s most popular has been on hiatus since 2022, its seven members having to complete the military service that South Korea imposes on all men under 30 due to tensions with the North.
When J-hope, the group’s main dancer, walked out of the Wongju military base, Jin, another member of the group who finished his service in June, came to hug him.
Admirers, brandishing colorful posters, came to welcome him: “the sun is finally shining on ARMY” could be read on their banners, in reference to the group’s fan community.
“Over the past year and a half, I have realized that many soldiers are making enormous efforts and sacrifices to protect the country,” J-hope said.
“I deeply appreciate the support and love you have shown me,” he told his fans, before getting into a car.
Despite instructions not to travel, from early Thursday morning, around fifty fans were present outside the base, including some from China and Brazil.
This new demobilization should be beneficial to the K-pop industry, according to experts.
“J-hope’s return is definitely like refreshing rain for HYBE after a long dry spell,” Yoo Sung-man, an analyst at Leading Investment and Securities, told AFP.
HYBE, BTS’ agency, is in the middle of a legal battle with Min Hee-jin, the producer of the K-pop girl group NewJeans, who headed one of its subsidiaries.
Added to this is an investigation after an electric scooter accident caused by another member of BTS, Suga, at the start of the year, in a drunken state, which caused HYBE shares to plummet.
“Unless all BTS members complete their military service and make a full comeback, J-hope’s solo comeback may not be enough to completely eclipse the conflict” with the producer, Mr. Yoo adds.
The remaining members of the group are expected to have completed their military service in June 2025. Jin announced on Monday that he will release his first solo album in November.
