BTS's Jin Welcomes J-Hope Back to Civilian Life with Special Event

BTS member Jin (real name Kim Seok-jin) is set to welcome fellow member J-Hope (real name Jung Ho-seok) back to civilian life.

According to TenAsia's report on the 17th, Jin is heading to Wonju to greet J-Hope, who is being discharged from the 36th Division Recruit Training Center in Wonju, Gangwon Province, at around 10 a.m. on this day.

Jin plans to host a special event to celebrate J-Hope's return from military service. Previously, Jin hinted during a live broadcast that he might "kidnap J-Hope on his discharge day and immediately start filming content." It seems Jin will indeed proceed with content creation right after welcoming J-Hope.

However, the other BTS members are currently serving in the military, so they are not expected to be present at the event.

Near the 36th Division Recruit Training Center, fans have gathered to welcome J-Hope with messages of support. Balloons are flying in the sky, and banners with phrases like 'ARMY has been waiting,' 'From Jung Ho-seok to J-Hope,' and 'Congratulations on your discharge' are displayed.

Last month, J-Hope excited fans by posting on the fan community Weverse, "I hope autumn comes soon," and "I'll see you on this day next month (October 17th)."

A week before his discharge, J-Hope reflected, "Time felt cruel, but now I feel a sense of attachment. Looking back, it was nothing, but I was so tense and rigid back then. Watching the new recruits, I feel a sense of camaraderie and see myself in them, which is endearing. I'm in an extreme F state, reflecting on my military life, and I feel proud and confident!"

J-Hope enlisted as an active-duty soldier in April last year, completed basic military training, and served as an instructor. In June, he participated in the '2024 Strong Warrior, Army!' presentation competition held at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, where he won the top prize for his speech on 'The pride of being a Korean soldier felt by BTS's J-Hope, the pioneer of K-pop, and Sergeant Jung Ho-seok.'

Meanwhile, following Jin, who was the first BTS member to complete military service, J-Hope has also finished his duty. The remaining members, Suga, RM, V, Jungkook, and Jimin, are currently serving. Jungkook and Jimin, the last to enlist, are scheduled to be discharged on June 11, 2025.

Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr