Jung Hoseok, a member of the Grammy-nominated K-pop boy band BTS, can be seen enjoying a meal with his fellow sufferers in photos released online. In another group photo, J-Hope, as she is popularly known, can be seen in a military uniform and making a heart with his fingers. The photos were released a week after J-Hope began his mandatory military service in South Korea. He is the second member of the K-pop group to do so after Jin, the eldest, who joined the army in December.
OMG….JUNG HOSEOK IN THE UNIFORM 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/sCPoVYhBqw
— jayvee (@uarmyvibe) April 25, 2023
According to Koreaboo, J-Hope’s photos were released through the official military app called “The Camp.” The outlet said the mobile application offers official photos uploaded by the military, information about the daily meals of those who signed up and a place where letters can be sent virtually.
In the photos, J-Hope has a huge smile on his face and a signature thumbs up.
J-Hope’s basic training is given at an army camp in Wongju, south of the capital Seoul, and lasts five weeks, according to Variety. Before heading to practice last week, the pop star had revealed his buzzcut on both Instagram and Weverse, a popular app in South Korea.
It is mandatory for all able-bodied males in South Korea between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve 18 to 21 months in the military.
The military deployment of BTS members has caught the attention not only of fans, but also politicians in South Korea. Some lawmakers came up with the idea of granting the affected group an exemption from compulsory military service so that they could continue to perform instead.
However, the band’s bureau said last year that all members planned to complete their military service by 2025.