BTS’ J-Hope initiates military enlistment process

J-Hope of iconic K-pop group BTS has initiated the process for his military enlistment.

BigHit Music announced the news in an official statement on Sunday, Feb. 26. “We would like to inform our fans that j-hope has initiated the military enlistment process by applying for the termination of his enlistment postponement,” the agency said via WeVerse, ensuring fans that they will be updated on the matter “in due course.”

“We ask you for your continued love and support for j-hope until he completes his military service and safely returns,” BigHit added.

“Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artist,” they continued.

Jin, another BTS member, entered the recruit training center in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province in December 2022 as part of his mandatory military service. In January, a military official announced that he has been assigned as a teaching assistant in the 5th Infantry Division recruit training center. He began his duties on Jan. 19. His discharge date is on June 12, 2024.

BTS—comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—is widely considered as 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.