On October 17, J-Hope (BTS) completed his mandatory military service and was officially discharged from the Recruit Training Center, 36th Infantry Division of the Republic of Korea Army in Wonju, Gangwon Province.
He enlisted in the army last April and served there as an assistant instructor for 18 months.
Although BTS's management company - Big Hit Music - announced 1 day in advance that: "There will be no special events on the day J-Hope is discharged from the army", many reporters and BTS fans (ARMY) were present early at the location where J-Hope was discharged.
Wonju police, medical staff and military personnel were dispatched to control the scene.
According to Star News, a 76-year-old fan from Japan waited outside with other fans for more than 3 hours, despite the cold weather. Banners and streamers were also hung to congratulate J-Hope on his discharge.
Notably, BTS's eldest brother Jin - the first to be discharged from the military in June this year - attended J-Hope's discharge ceremony. Recently, he humorously declared: "Kidnapping J-Hope was my intention."
Jin appeared in a striking red Gucci suit. He held a large bouquet of flowers to congratulate his bandmate. While J-Hope shared his feelings with the media, Jin helped the reporters hold the mic. After that, the two got into a car and left.
J-Hope is the second member of BTS to complete his military service, after Jin.
RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook are expected to be discharged from the military in June 2025. Suga, who is serving as a social worker, is also expected to complete his military service in June 2025. BTS is expected to return as a full group in the second half of next year.
