BTS' J-Hope starts mandatory military enlistment as active-duty soldier
BigHit Music, the music label of K-pop boy group BTS, has announced the start of main dancer J-Hope's mandatory military service as an active-duty soldier.
"We thank all the fans for your continued support for BTS and would like to update you on J-Hope's upcoming enlistment into the military. J-Hope will fulfill his required time with the military by enlisting in the army. Please note that there will be no official event on the day of his entry," BigHit Music posted through the popular Korean platform Weverse.
The company clarified that the entrance ceremony is meant to be a private affair only for those working in the military as well as their loved ones.
"The entrance ceremony is a time to be observed by military personnel and their families only. To prevent any issues that might occur from crowding, fans are advised to refrain from visiting the site. Instead, we ask you to keep your heartwarming words of support and farewell in your hearts," BigHit Music said.
Moreover, it advised fans not to get negatively affected by buying packages of unauthorized tours and other products that "illegally use" their artists' intellectual property (IP). It added that necessary action will be taken against any attempts to profit from unauthorized IP use.
"We ask for your continued love and support for J-Hope until he completes his military service and returns. Our company will also strive to provide all the support he needs during this time. Thank you," BigHit Music concluded.
J-Hope is the latest BTS member to initiate his military requirement, after Jin who is currently on vacation and whom the rest of the members visited during his time off.
Right before BigHit's notice, J-Hope officially released solo music during BTS' indefinite hiatus.
According to South Korean laws, "those who are healthy enough to perform active or supplementary service are to be enlisted for active duty service, supplementary service, or the wartime labor service, based on their qualifications, such as educational background and age."
