- BTS' J-Hope Commences Military Service and Enters COVID-19 Quarantine 목차
South Korean pop sensation BTS' J-Hope, born Jeong Ho-seok, began his mandatory military service on April 19th, 2023. The 29-year-old singer and dancer was among the 208 enlisted soldiers required to undergo COVID-19 testing and a week-long quarantine before commencing military training.
The Army confirmed that J-Hope, now referred to as Jeong Ho-seok Trainee, and his fellow enlistees will proceed with their basic military education and training for five weeks, assuming their COVID-19 test results reveal no abnormalities. The training program will cover essential military tasks, including individual weapon shooting, CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) defense, mental resilience, individual combat, and a 20-kilometer march.
Following the completion of their five-week military education, the trainees will be assigned to their respective units, where they will serve for the remaining 18 months of their military service.
J-Hope entered the Baekho Recruit Training Center of the 36th Infantry Division (Baekho Unit) in Socho-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do on April 18th, as part of the 23rd-5th class of active duty. He successfully completed his five-week training, achieving excellent grades. If he chooses, J-Hope can continue his military service as an assistant instructor at the 36th Division Recruit Training Center.
BTS' oldest member, Jin (30, Kim Seok-jin), is currently serving as an assistant instructor at the 5th Infantry Division Recruit Training Center in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do. J-Hope's expected discharge date from military service is set for October 17th, 2024.