BIGHIT issues brief response to reports of BTS J-Hope’s military enlistment date

Back in February 2023, pop titans BTS’ agency BIGHIT Music announced that rapper-songwriter-producer J-Hope had begun his military enlistment process by terminating the postponement. As shared by the Korean tabloid Soompi, on April 13, it was reported that according to military sources, J-Hope would be enlisting in the army on April 18 at a training center in Gangwon Province.

BIGHIT issues brief response to reports of BTS J-Hope's military enlistment date

BIGHIT issues brief response to reports of BTS J-Hope’s military enlistment date

Following such reports, BIGHIT MUSIC issues a statement for clarity and stating, “It is difficult for us to confirm the date and location of J-Hope’s enlistment. We ask for your understanding in this regard.” Earlier this month, it was announced that the 28-year-old musician will be serving as an active-duty soldier. The agency also requested fans to not crowd the official base as it will be a private time for J-Hope, his family and members of the group.

The official statement shared on April 2 read, “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. 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.”

“We also advise you not to get adversely affected by purchasing unauthorized tours or product packages that illegally use the artist’s IP. Our company will take necessary action against any attempts at commercial activity making unauthorized use of such IP. 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,” the statement concluded.

Back in February, J-Hope had decided to terminate the postponement. “We would like to inform our fans that J-hope has initiated the military enlistment process by applying for the termination of his enlistment postponement,” the statement read. “We will inform you of further updates in due course. We ask you for your continued love and support for J-hope until he completes his military service and safely returns. Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artist.”

Meanwhile, J-Hope validated his capability as a creative director by leading all aspects—from music to concept and visual elements—of his solo album, Jack In The Box (July 2022), which addresses the passion and agony he goes through as an artist. In 2022, J-Hope made history as the first South Korean act to headline a main stage at Lollapalooza. He released a new single ‘on the street’ in collaboration with American rapper J. Cole in February 2023.

Also Read: BTS’ J-Hope to enlist in the South Korean military as active duty soldier, BIGHIT Music confirms no official event to take place