BTS’ J-hope to enlist in mandatory South Korean military service

BTS’ J-hope has started the process of enlisting for mandatory military service in South Korea.

The K-pop star J-hope previously applied for an enlistment postponement but an update from his record label Big Hit has confirmed that he’s terminated the request and will sign up.

J-hope is the second member of BTS to enlist for mandatory military service following the enlistment of Jin last December.

Men are usually required to enlist by the age of 28, however the Order of Cultural Merit awarded to BTS by former president Moon Jae-In in 2018 has allowed the seven members of the K-pop band to enlist at the age of 30.

Big Hit said last October that each individual will carry out their military service according to their individual plans. It added that “both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment”.

With that date in mind, it seems that some of BTS’ younger members may be enlisting sooner than expected because Jimin and V are only required to enlist by 2025 and youngest member Jungkook by 2027.

Elsewhere, Big Hit has announced that J-hope is releasing a new single called ‘On the Street’ this Friday (3 March) at 2pm Korean time (5am GMT). It marks the singer’s first solo material since his debut album Jack in the Box arrived last summer.

Big Hit, the South Korean label behind BTS and J-hope, shared the news in a note published to fans on Weverse. “J-hope wrote the track to share his candid feelings towards 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.

“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!”

In other BTS news, last week Jimin announced that his debut solo album FACE will arrive on March 24.