Another member of the biggest boy band in the world is delaying his musical endeavors to enlist in the South Korean military, but not before he drops a brand-new solo single.
J-Hope, a rapper and singer for BTS, is starting his military enlistment, according to an announcement made by his label on Sunday. He will be the second member of the K-pop sensations to enlist in the army.
Big Hit Music said, “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.” It also pleaded for the public’s “continued love and support for j-hope until he completes his military service and safely returns.
In South Korea, almost all non-disabled men must serve in the army for 18 months by the time they are 28 years old. However, in 2020, the country’s government passed a bill allowing pop stars to postpone their service until 30.
J-declaration Hope’s comes just a few months after singer Jin, the oldest member of BTS at 30 years old, started his military service in December. With considerable excitement, Jin arrived at the army base. Despite his earlier requests for the media and supporters to stay away, they gathered outside.
All seven members of BTS will perform their required military service, according to Big Hit.
J-Hope would release a new solo track titled “on the street” on March 3, according to a different announcement the label published on Monday.
The band’s popularity could be hampered by military duty, which fans have long feared.
Since its 2013 debut, BTS has gained over 48 million Twitter followers, the No. 1 song in more than 100 countries, and its first Grammy nomination for 2020.
They have also grown to be a significant force in the South Korean economy; according to 2019 research, BTS generated $4.9 billion in revenue or 0.3% of the nation’s GDP.
In 2022, BTS declared that it would take a break so that its members may work on solo projects. However, according to Big Hit Music, they want to reunite as a group in 2025.
