K-Pop star J-Hope of the BTS starts process to enlist in Army
An official at the band's management, BigHit Music, said on Sunday that a second member, the 29-year-old j-hope, whose real name is Jung Ho-Seok, applied to end postponement of his own enlistment
J-Hope performs in Times Square during the first New Year's Eve event without restrictions since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., December 31, 2022. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon
A second member of Korea’s BTS – the first K-pop band nominated for a Grammy – has begun the enlistment process for mandatory military service, a management official confirmed on Monday, two months after the group’s oldest member began his service.
BTS members said last year they would join the military starting with Jin, who turned 30 and enlisted in December after postponing his service as long as permitted.
An official at the band’s management, BigHit Music, said on Sunday that a second member, the 29-year-old j-hope, whose real name is Jung Ho-seok, applied to end postponement of his own enlistment.
“We would like to inform our fans that j-hope has initiated the military enlistment process,” the statement said. “We ask you for your continued love and support for j-hope until he completes his military service and safely returns.”
All able-bodied South Korean men ages 18-28 must serve in the military for about two years.
A 2019 legislative revision allowed globally acknowledged K-pop stars to delay signing until they are 30. Some lawmakers have pushed to sharply reduce their service along the lines of what is required of Olympic and Asian Game medallists and some classical musicians, but their efforts made little progress.
South Korea’s defence minister has said BTS members could perform overseas while serving. Many artists have been designated as such “entertainment soldiers”.
In a separate statement on Monday, BigHit said j-hope would release a solo single titled “on the street” on Friday, which he wrote as a “gift” for fans to share his feelings toward them.
The seven-member group has pursued solo projects since announcing a break from group musical activities in June.
Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,
India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
also read
Opposition leader in South Korea wanted in corruption case
Lee is also accused of demanding that four companies provide 13.3 billion won to Seongnam FC while he was serving as the head of the football club in return for unlawful administrative favours in what prosecutors described as bribery
BTS' V achieves new Spotify feats with his 'Christmas Tree' and 'Sweet Night' topping most-streamed Korean OSTs
While 'Christmas Tree' has been recorded as the most streamed Korean drama OST in 2022 and the eighth most-streamed K-pop worldwide, it has presently surpassed 220 million streams as of 15 January 2023.
EXO's Kai is all set to return with third mini album 'Rover'; drops first teaser picture
Notably, Kai is presently busy with promotions in Japan and is also holding fan meets. Known for his sensuous vocal length, Kai is loved by fans for his unique transformation and concept as exhibited in each of his albums.