BTS’ J-Hope has become the second member of the group to begin his mandatory military service in South-Korea, following the enlistment of Jin in December of 2022.
The K-pop star had previously applied for an enlistment postponement, but a new statement from label Big Hit Music has revealed that he has now pulled that request and will enlist in the military “We would like to inform our fans that J-Hope has initiated the military enlistment process by applying for the termination of his enlistment postponement. We will inform you of further updates in due course”. The label concluded on the Weverse platform “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 news were followed by an announcement from the label that J-Hope will also be releasing a new solo single called ‘on the street’, coming later this week “We are happy to inform you that BTS member j-hope will be releasing a solo single ‘on the street.’ J-Hope wrote the track to share his candid feelings toward his fans”.
“The title ‘on the street’ refers to J-hope’s roots – street dance – from which his dream to become an artist began, and the path the artist and fans will continue to walk together.” it explained “We hope that J-hope’s ‘on the street’ serves as a meaningful gift to everyone who supports the artist. Please look forward to j-hope’s new song!”
South Korean men are usually required to enlist by the age of 28, though the Order of Cultural Merit awarded to BTS by former president Moon Jae-In in 2018 allowed them to enlist at 30 instead. According to an October 17 statement from Big Hit Music, the remaining members of BTS will also carry out their military service according to their individual plans “both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment”.‘On the street’ follows his debut solo album in 2022, ‘Jack in the Box’. The single will be released on March 3 at 2PM KST.
