Wonju, South Korea:

Okay-pop megastar J-hope from BTS ended eighteen months of South Korean navy service Thursday, together with his bandmate embracing him and dozens of followers turning as much as rejoice his return to the trade.

The seven members of the world’s hottest boy band have been on a self-described “hiatus” since 2022 on account of their navy service, which South Korea requires of all males beneath 30 on account of tensions with the nuclear-armed North.

J-hope, the principle dancer of the group, emerged from the gates of his military base in South Korea’s central Wonju metropolis, the place he was met by fellow band member Jin, who finished his service in June.

Exterior the bottom followers had hung up vibrant banners to welcome the star again to civilian life saying: “The solar is lastly shining upon ARMY” referring to the group’s official fandom, and: “My checking account! It is able to go straight to J-hope!”

Followers had put a life-size minimize out of J-hope dancing outdoors the bottom, with an enormous balloon congratulating him on his navy discharge flying overhead. 

Followers had been urged to not present up for security causes, however early Thursday there have been round 50 admirers current — together with worldwide followers from China and Brazil — outdoors the bottom.

A bunch of Japanese followers rented a bus to get to the navy unit, which is positioned about 100 km (62 miles) from Seoul.

The most recent BTS navy discharge is prone to be good for the Okay-pop trade as an entire, analysts mentioned. 

“J-Hope’s comeback is definitely like a refreshing downpour for HYBE throughout a protracted, dry spell,” Yoo Sung-man, an analyst at Main Funding and Securities, advised AFP.

BTS’ company HBYE is scuffling with a authorized battle with Okay-pop woman group NewJeans’ superproducer Min Hee-jin, which has been inflicting a headache for buyers, he added. 

As well as, one other BTS member, SUGA, was investigated over a drunk e-scooter incident in Seoul earlier this yr, which led to HYBE’s share value dropping to a report low.

“Even placing apart the ‘Suga’ challenge, the ‘Min Hee-jin and NewJeans’ challenge must be resolved first,” mentioned Yoo.

“Until all BTS members full their navy service and make a full-group comeback, J-Hope’s solo return may not be sufficient to overshadow the battle utterly,” he added.

HYBE’s share value was up 2.9 per cent in early buying and selling Thursday.

The remainder of the band will full their service in June 2025.

Jin introduced Monday that he’ll launch his first solo album in November.

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