BTS member J-hope (left) salutes whereas fellow member Jin (proper) holds microphones. This was after being discharged from his obligatory army service exterior a army base in Wonju on October 17, 2024. | Picture by JUNG YEON-JE / AFP
WONJU, South Korea — Ok-pop megastar J-hope from BTS ended eighteen months of South Korean army service Thursday, and hailed the “sacrifice” of troopers working to maintain the nation protected, as followers wept for pleasure at his return to the business.
The seven members of the world’s hottest boy band have been on a self-described “hiatus” since 2022 attributable to their army service, which South Korea requires of all males beneath 30 attributable to tensions with the nuclear-armed North.
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J-hope, the primary dancer of the group, emerged from the gates of his military base in South Korea’s central Wonju metropolis, and hugged fellow band member Jin — who completed his service in June — earlier than saluting ready reporters and followers.
“In the course of the previous one 12 months and 6 months, I realised that many troopers within the army are making nice efforts and sacrifices to guard the nation,” he stated, urging the general public to assist energetic obligation army.
“Thanks a lot for ready for me, and I deeply admire the robust assist and love you might have proven,” he advised followers, earlier than getting right into a car.
Exterior the bottom followers had hung up vibrant banners to welcome the star again to civilian life saying: “The solar is lastly shining upon ARMY” referring to the group’s official fandom, and: “My checking account! It’s able to go straight to J-hope!”
Followers had put a life-size lower out of J-hope dancing exterior the bottom, with an enormous balloon congratulating him on his army discharge flying overhead.
Followers had been urged to not present up for security causes, however early Thursday there have been round 50 admirers current — together with worldwide followers from China and Brazil — exterior the bottom.
A gaggle of Japanese followers rented a bus to get to the army unit, which is positioned about 100 km (62 miles) from Seoul.
Fernanda Polo, a Brazilian influencer who lives in Seoul, stated she waited for J-hope since 5 am.
“I used to be virtually dying after I noticed him,” Polo advised AFP, holding up her hand to point out that she was nonetheless shaking with emotion.
Her good friend Theana, a flight attendant, stated she got here to South Korea particularly to see J-hope, including it was “very emotional” to be within the presence of her hero, even for simply moments.
Good for the business
The most recent BTS army discharge is more likely to be good for the Ok-pop business as a complete, analysts stated.
“J-Hope’s comeback is definitely like refreshing downpour for HYBE throughout an extended, dry spell,” Yoo Sung-man, an analyst at Main Funding and Securities, advised AFP.
BTS’ company HBYE is fighting a authorized battle with Ok-pop woman group NewJeans’ superproducer Min Hee-jin, which has been inflicting a headache for traders, he added.
As well as, one other BTS member, SUGA, was investigated over a drunk e-scooter incident in Seoul earlier this 12 months, which led to HYBE’s share value dropping to a report low.
“Even placing apart the ‘Suga’ problem, the ‘Min Hee-jin and NewJeans’ problem must be resolved first,” stated Yoo.
“Until all BTS members full their army service and make a full-group comeback, J-Hope’s solo return won’t be sufficient to overshadow the battle fully,” he added.
HYBE’s share value was up 2.9 p.c in early buying and selling Thursday.
The remainder of the band will full their service in June 2025.
Jin introduced Monday that he’ll launch his first solo album in November.