- Jin, the oldest member of the K-pop group, enlisted in December after postponing as long as was allowed
- Seven-member group announced a break in June and has since been pursuing solo projects; each has announced they would complete their service as well
J-Hope will be the next member of BTS to enlist in the South Korean military. Photo: APThe second member of South Korean super group BTS – the first K-pop band to win a Grammy – has begun the enlistment process for his 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 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.
BTS’ Jin begins mandatory military service in South Korea
An official at the band’s management, BigHit Music, said on Sunday that 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, requiring something similar to what is required of Olympic and Asian Game medallists and some classical musicians. Their efforts have made little progress.
South Korea’s defence minister has said BTS could perform overseas while its members serve. Many artists have been designated as such “entertainment soldiers”.
The seven-member group has pursued solo projects since announcing a break from group musical activities in June.