BTS' J-Hope writes heartfelt letter to ARMYs one month before military discharge
J-Hope of BTS reflected on his military journey and expressed his appreciation to the ARMYs for their support a month before his discharge date.
The K-pop idol took to his Weverse account on Tuesday, Sept. 17 to greet his fans on Chuseok Day (or Korean Thanksgiving Day), which also marked 30 days before he officially finishes his military service.
“One month, exactly 30 days! Time felt so slow, but now I’ve grown attached to it,” he began, as translated from Korean into English by K-entertainment outlet Allkpop. He added that he has prepared his luggage and has given away his personal items to his successors nearing his discharge date.
He then looked back on his time in the military and opened up about how he felt during his early days there.
“Looking back, it wasn’t a big deal, but back then, I was so tense. Even the sound of the locker opening would get on my nerves,” he wrote. “Seeing the new recruits now, I feel a connection with them and find myself smiling at how I used to be.”
J-Hope also said he's "proud" of his time there and "felt good" about it.
"I'm looking back on my military life in extreme F state (emotional personality type). I'm proud!" The Daydream singer said, adding that he is now a “seasoned officer” relaxing and writing in bed.
He also expressed his well-wishes to his fans on Chuseok Day. “I hope the peace in everyone’s homes continues, and my heart is fluttering like a dove with happiness during this Chuseok. Though it’s a bit of a warm Chuseok, I wish you all a prosperous holiday,” he said. “I hope autumn comes soon. I’ll see you next month. Until then, please take care and stay healthy.”
J-Hope enlisted as an active-duty soldier on April 18 last year. He is scheduled to be discharged on Oct. 17.
In June, he was able to take home the grand prize in the "Strong Warrior, Army" competition, besting about 170 soldiers and civilian workers. The competition aims to boost soldiers' mental fortitude by letting them share the rewards and values of their military service.
Prior to his enlistment, he released a solo album dubbed Hope on the Street Vol. 1 in February and a docuseries on Prime Video in March.
He recently teased a collaboration with American musician Pharell for 2025.
J-Hope would be the second member of the group to finish military service following Jin who was discharged in June.
His fellow BTS member, Suga, enlisted in September 2023, followed by Jung Kook, V, Jimin, and RM in December of the same year. They are expected to make a full-group comeback in 2025.