J-Hope of BTS Starts the Military Enlistment Process in South Korea


According to the group’s agency, BTS member Jung Ho-seok, also known as J-Hope, enlisted in the South Korean military on Sunday. J-Hope, age 29, becomes the second member of BTS to enlist after Kim Seok-jin, or Jin, the group’s eldest member, by withdrawing his plea to postpone his mandatory military duty. Big Hit Records said in a statement, “We appeal for your continuing love and support for J-Hope until he completes his military service and returns safely.” According to Chosun Ilbo, J-Hope reassured supporters in a live video on Sunday, “That does not mean I am enrolling immediately.” The precise timing of his service was not immediately apparent. Big Hit Music informed Army, as BTS’ followers are collectively called, that J-next Hope’s solo single “On The Street” would be released on March 3. “The title ‘on the street’ relates to J-roots Hope’s – street dancing — where his aspiration to become an artist began, as well as the road he and his fans will continue to walk together,” the agency added.