BTS star J-Hope began mandatory military service in Korea on Tuesday, local media reported, and is the second member of the popular K-pop band to join the military.
The band became a global phenomenon, selling out stadiums and amassing a legion of fans called the ARMY, while managing to dominate the US and UK charts and garner multiple Grammy nominations.
In South Korea, all men eligible to enlist in the armed forces must complete at least 18 months of military service. After years of debate over whether the group deserved an exemption, BTS announced an uncertain hiatus last year and Jin, its oldest member, began serving in December.
J-Hope, whose real name is Jung Hoseok, is due to begin five weeks of basic training in Gangwon Province on Tuesday, local news agency Yonhap reported.
The 29-year-old artist posted photos of himself with a military-style haircut on South Korean social media site Weverse on Monday. “I love you ARMY. I’m coming and going safe and sound,” he said. Check out one of the images in the carousel below.
The group’s agency, HYBE, confirmed on April 1 that J-Hope would begin military service, but did not provide details to avoid issues with crowding fans at the training ground.
The band cited exhaustion and pressure from their stratospheric success as reasons for their hiatus, explaining that its members would focus on their solo careers. Some analysts are doubtful of the group’s future once all seven members finish their military service.
Source: Folha
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