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Korea — K-pop megastar J-hope from BTS ended eighteen months of South Korean military service Thursday, and hailed the “sacrifice” of soldiers working to keep the country safe, as fans wept for joy at his return to the industry.
The seven members of the world’s most popular boy band have been on a self-described “hiatus” since 2022 due to their military service, which South Korea requires of all men under 30 due to tensions with the nuclear-armed North.
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hope, the main dancer of the group, emerged from the gates of his army base in South Korea’s central Wonju city, and hugged fellow band member Jin — who finished his service in June — before saluting waiting reporters and fans.
“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.
