K-pop megastar J-hope from BTS ended eighteen months of his mandatory military service Thursday, and he had fellow band member Jin waiting for him with flowers and open arms.
J-hope, the main dancer of the group, emerged from the gates of his army base in South Korea’s central Wonju city, and hugged fellow band member Jin, who arrived at the location with a large bouquet of flowers.Dressed in his high-fashion co-ord set, the hunk welcomed J-hope with a hug before stepping aside to allow him to pose for pictures for the press and salute waiting reporters and fans.
Jin, who completed his military duty in June, offered to help reporters by sitting near J-hope’s feet and holding up a bunch of microphones. Addressing the media, the star hailed the “sacrifice” of soldiers working to keep the country safe. He said, “During the past one year and six months, I realised that many soldiers in the military are making great efforts and sacrifices to protect the country.”
Urging the public to support active duty military, he also extended a note of thanks to all fans saying, “Thank you so much for waiting for me, and I deeply appreciate the strong support and love you have shown.”
As the BTS ARMY was advised against crowding the military base, they hung up colourful banners to welcome the star back to civilian life saying,”The sun is finally shining upon ARMY.” Many also put large cut outs of J-hope dancing outside the base, with a giant balloon congratulating him on completing his service.
The latest BTS military discharge is likely to be good for the K-pop industry. “J-Hope’s comeback is certainly like refreshing downpour for HYBE during a long, dry spell,” Yoo Sung-man, an analyst at Leading Investment and Securities, told AFP.
In addition, another BTS member, SUGA, was investigated over a drunk e-scooter incident in Seoul earlier this year, which led to the company’s share price dropping to a record low.
However, it will still be months till all 7 members of the band complete their mandatory service. While Jin and J-hope are now out, RM, V, Jimin, Suga and JungKook are expected to get discharged in 2025, hinting at the band’s reunion in June 2025.
Meanwhile, Jin announced on Monday that he will release his first solo album in November.
