Another member of the South Korean boy band BTS has started his mandatory military service.
J-Hope, 29, is the second member of the world-famous K-pop group to put his music career on hold for time in the military, which is a requirement in South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the singer, whose real name is Jung Ho-seok, kept a low profile as a van carrying him entered the venue for his military enlistment ceremony in Wonju – in the Gangwon Province – on Tuesday.
Addressing fans on Instagram, J-Hope posted on his personal account with a caption that said: “I’ll have a good trip!!.”
He also posted on a fan platform called Weverse and said, “I’ll be back later,” alongside a photo of his shaved head.
More than 10,000 comments from fans wished for the singer’s safe return after completing his military duties.
On Tuesday, the official BTS Twitter account posted an image of the boy band supporting the singer, with the caption: “I love you J-Hope.”
Fans quickly commented on the post, sending well wishes and support.
One user said: “Serve well J-Hope!”
While another wrote: “Through all seasons, We will wait for you.”
“Hobi, go serve and come back safely,” one fan wrote.
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Although some politicians in South Korea looked at potentially granting the members of Grammy-nominated BTS exemptions from military service, the band’s agency announced that all members planned to complete their duties by 2025.
In South Korea, able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 years must serve in the military for a period of between 18 and 22 months.
The country remains in a state of military readiness amid tensions with North Korea, which date back to the Korean War in the 1950s.
Last year, the commissioner of the military manpower administration, Lee Ki Sik, told South Korean MPs it was “desirable” for all BTS members to fulfil their military duties.
In December 2022, Kim Seok-jin – known simply as Jin – the oldest band member, started his military service.
Women in the country are not required to perform military service but may volunteer to join the military.
