BTS's J-Hope gears up for upcoming military discharge
Heads up, ARMYs! J-Hope of the K-pop powerhouse BTS is close to completing his active service in the army and will soon be discharged.
However, the group's agency, BIGHIT MUSIC, requested fans to refrain from visiting the site due to "safety concerns" regarding the idol's upcoming discharge.
"Discharge day is a day shared by many service members. No special events are planned on the day of j-hope’s discharge," the statement read.
The agency added, "To prevent any issues arising from overcrowding, fans are strongly advised to refrain from visiting the site. Please convey your warm regards and encouragement in your hearts."
Nonetheless, BIGHIT is always grateful for fans' unwavering love and support for J-Hope.
"Our company will continue to put our utmost effort into supporting our artists. Thank you once again for your continued love and support for BTS."
J-Hope entered the military in April 2023. He served as an assistant instructor of the 36th Recruit Training Battalion.
He is likewise the second member of the group to have active service in the army alongside Suga in September of the same year.
Jin was the first BTS member to enlist in the military in December 2022.
In June, J-Hope won a grand prize in a presentation contest in the military.
The contest, which saw about 170 soldiers and civilian workers, aims to boost soldiers' mental fortitude by letting them share the rewards and values of their military service.
In his speech, J-Hope shared that he found videos and photos of BTS in the army education materials, which helped conscripts stay focused.
"Every time conscripts complete their (month-long) boot camp and leave for deployment, they tell me that it was an honor to have spent time with me," J-Hope is quoted as saying in an English translation.
"It is then that I realized I am taking a valuable first step with those who will become an important part of Korea's security," he added.
J-Hope said it's with "great pride" to be a soldier for his country.
“I feel like I am living a very meaningful and rewarding life these days," he said. "Just as the blood, tears, voice and sweat I shed on stage contributed greatly to the development of Korean culture, I feel that I am now contributing to Korea as a soldier, in a different way."
“I'm Sergeant Jung Ho-seok, not J-Hope of BTS, at the moment," he added. "I'm here to protect Korea and it is with great pride that I serve as a Korean soldier.”
