BTS star, J-Hope concludes military service in South Korea

K-pop megastar J-Hope from BTS has officially concluded his eighteen months of military service in South Korea, expressing heartfelt appreciation for the “sacrifice” made by soldiers dedicated to the nation’s safety.

His return has sparked an outpouring of joy among fans, many of whom were moved to tears.

The seven members of the world’s most popular boy band have been on a self-described “hiatus” since 2022, fulfilling their mandatory military obligations due to South Korea’s conscription laws, which require all men under 30 to serve amid ongoing tensions with North Korea.

J-Hope, known as the main dancer of BTS, emerged from the gates of his army base in Wonju, South Korea, where he shared an emotional hug with fellow band member Jin, who completed his service in June.

He then saluted the waiting reporters and fans, marking a significant moment in the band’s journey.

“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,” he said, urging the public to support active duty military.

“Thank you so much for waiting for me, and I deeply appreciate the strong support and love you have shown,” he told fans, before getting into a vehicle.

Outside the base fans had hung up colourful banners to welcome the star back to civilian life saying: “The sun is finally shining upon ARMY” referring to the group’s official fandom, and: “My bank account! It’s ready to go straight to J-hope!”

Fans had put a life-size cut out of J-hope dancing outside the base, with a giant balloon congratulating him on his military discharge flying overhead.

Fans had been urged not to show up for safety reasons, but early Thursday there were around 50 admirers present — including international fans from China and Brazil — outside the base.

A group of Japanese fans rented a bus to get to the military unit, which is located about 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Seoul.

Fernanda Polo, a Brazilian influencer who lives in Seoul, said she waited for J-hope since 5 am.

“I was almost dying when I saw him,” Polo told AFP, holding up her hand to show that she was still shaking with emotion.

Her friend Theana, a flight attendant, said she came to South Korea specifically to see J-hope, adding it was “very emotional” to be in the presence of her hero, even for just moments.

Later Thursday outside his agency HYBE’s headquarters, J-hope was met with hundreds of fans who had waited for hours to greet his vehicle.

“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.