K-pop megastar J-Hope from BTS completed his 18-month South Korean military service on Thursday, expressing gratitude for the “sacrifices” made by soldiers to keep the nation safe. Fans celebrated his return to the industry, many shedding tears of joy.
The seven members of BTS have been on a self-declared “hiatus” since 2022 due to their mandatory military service, which South Korea requires of all men under 30 due to ongoing tensions with North Korea. “Over the past year and six months, I’ve come to realize the immense efforts and sacrifices soldiers make to protect the country,” J-Hope said, urging the public to support active-duty troops. He also thanked fans for their patience and unwavering love before departing the military base.
Outside the base, fans had displayed colorful banners welcoming him back, with messages such as “The sun is finally shining upon ARMY,” referring to BTS’s fanbase, and “My bank account is ready to go straight to J-Hope!”
A life-size cutout of J-Hope dancing stood outside the base, along with a large balloon congratulating him on his military discharge. Although fans had been advised not to gather for safety reasons, around 50 supporters — including international fans from China and Brazil — showed up early Thursday. A group of Japanese fans even rented a bus to visit the base, located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Seoul.
Fernanda Polo, a Brazilian influencer living in Seoul, said she had been waiting for J-Hope since 5 a.m. “I almost died when I saw him,” she told AFP, visibly shaking with emotion. Her friend Theana, a flight attendant, flew to South Korea specifically to see J-Hope, describing the moment as “very emotional.”
Later in the day, hundreds of fans gathered outside J-Hope’s agency, HYBE, to greet his vehicle. Emerging from the gates of his military base in Wonju, central South Korea, J-Hope embraced fellow BTS member Jin — who completed his own military service in June — before saluting reporters and fans.
“Take Three of J-hope’s life has begun,” J-hope said on fan platform Weverse.
“I’ll focus on losing weight and working out so that I can return to you with a beautiful appearance and show you a lot of amazing activities,” he told his fans.
– Good for the industry –
The latest BTS military discharge is likely to be good for the K-pop industry as a whole, analysts said.
“J-Hope’s comeback is certainly like a refreshing downpour for HYBE during a long, dry spell,” Yoo Sung-man, an analyst at Leading Investment and Securities, told AFP.
BTS’ agency HBYE is struggling with a legal battle with K-pop girl group NewJeans’ superproducer Min Hee-jin, which has been causing a headache for investors, he added.
In addition, another BTS member, SUGA, was investigated over a drunk e-scooter incident in Seoul earlier this year, which led to HYBE’s share price dropping to a record low.
“Even putting aside the ‘Suga’ issue, the ‘Min Hee-jin and NewJeans’ issue needs to be resolved first,” said Yoo.
“Unless all BTS members complete their military service and make a full-group comeback, J-Hope’s solo return might not be enough to overshadow the conflict completely,” he added.
HYBE’s share price closed up seven per cent Thursday afternoon
The rest of the band will complete their service in June 2025.
Jin announced Monday that he will release his first solo album in November.