J-Hope, a member of K-pop sensation BTS, entered a South Korean boot camp today to start his 18-month compulsory military service, becoming the group’s second member to join the country’s army.
There was heated public debate in 2022 over whether to offer special exemptions of mandatory military service for BTS members, until the group’s management agency announced in October that all seven members would fulfill their duties.
In December, Jin, 30 and the oldest member of BTS, became the band’s first member to enter the army after revoking his request to delay his conscription.
South Korean TV footages showed what they called a black minivan likely carrying J-Hope moving into the boot camp in Wonju, about 90 kilometers (55 miles) east of Seoul.
Hybe Corp, the parent company of BTS’ management agency Big Hit Music, later confirmed the 29-year-old singer entered the camp.
