After 18 months of longing, fans of K-pop star J-Hope, 30, rejoiced when the BTS member was discharged from the military yesterday (Oct 17).
Crowds of around 100 fans and media showed up at a military base in Wonju, Gangwon province, to welcome the star.
Also there was fellow BTS member Jin, who completed his military service in June.
The remaining members of BTS — RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook, and Suga — are still serving their nation and are all expected to be discharged in June 2025.
Dressed in a maroon Gucci suit and sunglasses, Jin hugged J-Hope as he presented him with a bouquet of flowers.
Jin also brought with him a photographer to commemorate the occasion.
After posing for photos, along with the mandatory shot of him saluting, J-Hope expressed his gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans, I was able to finish [the service] safely, in good health,” he said.
Midway through the speech, Jin, ever the gentlemen, approached a lady who was holding a bunch of microphones for J-Hope on bended knee, and offered to take over.
His chivalrous gesture left fans swooning, with one gushing: “Why should I lower my standards when Jin himself kneels down to hold the mic as a lady was holding [it]. The most perfect decision when I choose BTS as my idol and inspiration.”
Another said: “Jin went on his knees and held the mic for J-Hope, with no ego,” while a third added: “And he did that wearing $100K (won) worth clothes and jewellery.”
Interestingly, Jin had mentioned previously during a live stream that he had prepared a special welcome for J-Hope, saying he would “kidnap” him and make him start filming a show right after his discharge.
However, after J-Hope’s speech, the pair left the camp in separate vehicles, leading people to wonder if the “kidnapping” plan fell through.