BTS’ J-Hope Begins Military Enlistment Process

J-Hope, a member of the South Korean K-pop band BTS, has begun the process of enlisting for mandatory military service in South Korea.

The rapper had previously applied for an enlistment postponement, but a new note from the label Big Hit has revealed that he has now terminated that request and will enlist for the military.

In a note posted to fans on Weverse, Big Hit announced: “We would like to inform our fans that j-hope has initiated the military enlistment process by applying for the termination of his enlistment postponement.”

The statement added: “We ask you for your continued love and support for j-hope until he completes his military service and safely returns.

“Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artist.”

J-hope is the second member from BTS to enlist for mandatory military service, following the enlistment of Jin in December 2022.

BTS announced plans in October to sever their military service, starting with Jin, who turned 30 on December 4, after having postponed his service for the maximum time allowed. The band will reunite in 2025 after pursuing individual projects.

South Korea requires military service for two years from all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28. It revised the law in 2019 to let globally recognized K-pop stars delay signing up until 30.

In December 2020, the Korean National Assembly passed a motion (nicknamed the “BTS law”) to allow top K-pop stars to postpone service until age 30 with a recommendation from the culture minister.

Jin is the first of the seven members to fulfill his mandatory obligations.