Seoul: K-pop boy band BTS' Jung Hoseok, popularly known as J-Hope, has begun mandatory military service. His first pic wearing a military uniform has surfaced online.
In one photograph, he is seen sharing a meal with his batchmates. In another, he is seen wearing the uniform and making a heart with his fingers. They were released via the official military app called 'The Camp'.
He began military service a week ago and he is the second member of the band to do so. Jin, the oldest member of the band, joined the military in December 2022.
J-Hope is undergoing basic training at a camp in Wongju, south of the capital Seoul. It will go on for five weeks. After the training, he will be serving in the army as an active-duty soldier.
In South Korea, it is mandatory for all able-bodied men in the age group 18-28 to serve in the military for 18-21 months. Some politicians had discussed the idea to grant the popular K-pop members an exemption but it was not approved. All BTS members will have completed their duty by 2025.