Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 26) — BTS member j-hope has started his military enlistment process, BIGHIT Music agency confirmed Sunday.
In a statement on WeVerse, the agency said j-hope has applied for the termination of his enlistment postponement.
j-hope of K-pop powerhouse @bts_bighit has applied for the termination of his military enlistment postponement, which means he "has initiated the military enlistment process," according to label BigHit Music. https://t.co/Ni4v3zQor2 pic.twitter.com/CALuKA4Wp8
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) February 26, 2023
“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,” the statement read.
The agency did not give a specific date as to when j-hope will enter the army but assured fans that it will keep them updated.
Prior to his enlistment, j-hope released the “Jack in The Box” album and made history by becoming the first South Korean artist to headline the annual Lollapalooza music festival in the United States.
j-hope will be the second member of the Korean supergroup to enlist in the mandatory military service at the age of 29, following BTS’ oldest member Jin.
READ: BTS star Jin begins military service as new era begins for K-pop supergroup
Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to enlist in the military by age 28 and serve in the army for at least 18 months.
In 2020, South Korea passed a bill that allows pop stars — namely those who “excel in popular culture and art” — to defer their service until the age of 30.
All seven members plan to enlist within the next few years and plan to reunite by 2025.
