BTS' J-Hope wins top award during military competition
J-Hope, a member of the iconic K-pop group BTS, won the grand prize of a presentation contest in the military.
The K-pop idol participated in the "Strong Warrior, Army" competition, as reported by several outlets, including The Korea Herald, Koreaboo, and The Economic Times.
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. To date, he's an assistant instructor of the 36th Recruit Training Battalion.
“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.”
J-Hope ended up winning the grand prize, which included 500,000 won (P21,400).
BTS—comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—is widely considered South Korea's biggest-ever cultural phenomenon, selling out stadiums worldwide, dominating the charts, raking in billions, and building a global legion of fans known as ARMYs.
The country requires all able-bodied men to serve at least 18 months in the military as part of its efforts to guard against North Korea.
Jin was the first BTS member to enlist in the military in December 2022. J-Hope and Suga followed suit in April and September 2023, respectively.
Jung Kook, V, Jimin, and RM all enlisted by the end of 2023.
BTS is expected to make a full group comeback in 2025.
J-Hope will be discharged in October this year.