Array<\/b>
\nKorea \u2014 K-pop megastar J-Hope from BTS ended 18 months of South Korean military service Thursday, Oct. 17, with his bandmate embracing him and dozens of fans turning up to celebrate his return to the industry.
The seven members of the world\u2019s most popular boy band have been on a self-described \u201chiatus\u201d since 2022 due to their military service, which South Korea requires of all men under 30 due to tensions with the nuclear-armed North.
hope, the main dancer of the group, emerged from the gates of his army base in South Korea\u2019s central Wonju city, where he was met by fellow band member Jin, who finished his service in June.
Outside the base fans had hung up colorful banners to welcome the star back to civilian life saying: \u201cThe sun is finally shining upon ARMY\u201d referring to the group\u2019s official fandom, and: \u201cMy bank account! It\u2019s ready to go straight to J-hope!\u201d
Fans had put a life-size cut out of J-hope dancing outside the base, with a giant balloon congratulating him on his military discharge flying overhead.
Fans had been urged not to show up for safety reasons, but early Thursday there were around 50 admirers present \u2013 including international fans from China and Brazil \u2013 outside the base.
A group of Japanese fans rented a bus to get to the military unit, which is located about 100 km (62 miles) from Seoul.
The latest BTS military discharge is likely to be good for the K-pop industry as a whole, analysts said.
\u201cJ-Hope\u2019s comeback is certainly like refreshing downpour for HYBE during a long, dry spell,\u201d Yoo Sung-man, an analyst at Leading Investment and Securities, told AFP.
BTS\u2019 agency HBYE is struggling with a legal battle with K-pop girl group NewJeans\u2019 superproducer Min Hee-jin, which has been causing a headache for investors, he added.
In addition, another BTS member, SUGA, was investigated over a drunk e-scooter incident in Seoul earlier this year, which led to HYBE\u2019s share price dropping to a record low.
\u201cEven putting aside the \u2018Suga\u2019 issue, the \u2018Min Hee-jin and NewJeans\u2019 issue needs to be resolved first,\u201d said Yoo.
\u201cUnless all BTS members complete their military service and make a full-group comeback, J-Hope\u2019s solo return might not be enough to overshadow the conflict completely,\u201d he added.
HYBE\u2019s share price was up 2.9 percent in early trading Thursday.
The rest of the band will complete their service in June 2025.
Jin announced Monday that he will release his first solo album in November.<\/p>\n