BTS’ J-Hope Discharged From Military Duty, Greeted By a Smiling Jin: ‘Thanks To the Fans’

BTS singer J-Hope became the second member of BTS to be discharged from mandatory South Korean military service on Thursday (Oct. 17) after serving 18 months on duty. According to Reuters, Hope, 30, smiled and greeted his bandmate Jin and about 100 cheering fans and reporters when he walked out in uniform at a military base in Wonju, Gangwon province.

Jin, who finished his service in June, was seen in videos hugging his pal while holding a giant bouquet of flowers. “Thanks to the fans, I was able to finish it [military service] safely, with good health,” Hope (born Jung Ho-seok) said. “What I’ve felt for the past year-and-a-half is that a lot of soldiers are working hard, dedicating themselves, and doing so much to protect the country.”

According to the Korea Times, the dancer/rapper also thanked the citizens of Wonju for their support, saying, “During my 18 months of military service, I performed duties as an instructor and marched a lot, so I saw many Wonju citizens. I want to thank the citizens who greeted and cheered for the soldiers. It was very touching…

BTS went on hiatus in 2022 to allow the members time to pursue solo projects and complete their military hitches, with plans for them to regroup in 2025 once all seven men are discharged from duty.

ARMY shared a number of videos of J-Hope and Jin’s sweet reunion, commenting on how excited the two men seemed to be, as well as laughing at Jin’s impromptu gag of bending down to hold a phalanx of press microphones during his bandmate’s brief statement on Thursday.

The exciting reunion came a day after Jin announced the details of his upcoming debut solo album, Happy, which is due out on Nov. 15. The six-song mini-album will feature the focus track, “Running Wild,” as well as the upcoming pre-release single, “I’ll Be There,” as well as “Another Level,” “Falling,” “Heart on the Window” (feat. WENDY) and “I will come to you.”