BTS' J-Hope Begins Process to Join South Korean Military After Legally Deferring for Years

Jacopo Raule/GC J-Hope of BTS

BTS member j-hope is enlisting in the South Korean military for mandatory service after legally deferring for several years.

"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 group's label, BIGHIT MUSIC, said in the statement on Sunday.

"We ask for your continued love and support for j-hope until he completes his military service and safely returns," they continued.

Almost all able-bodied men in Korea are required to serve in the army for at least 18 months by the time they are 28, according to CNN. In some special circumstances, men are able to defer until they're older, which several members of BTS have done.

Roy Rochlin/Getty J-Hope of BTS

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J-Hope is the second member of the hit band to enlist in mandatory military service. Two months ago, Jin, the group's oldest member, announced that he was enlisting.

Big Hit has previously announced that all seven members of BTS will do their mandatory military service, CNN reported.

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Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic BTS

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Last year, BTS said in a statement shared with PEOPLE that members of the band intended to release both group and solo projects as they embarked on their "new chapter" together. The statement was made after RM, Jungkook, j-hope, Jin, V, Jimin and Suga appeared to announce a temporary hiatus during the group's annual FESTA dinner in June.

"The group will remain active as a team while taking individual journey to further achieve personal growth," the release said from HYBE, the agency that represents BTS, said, adding that the members of the two-time Grammy-nominated group "will allow themselves to express their individuality through the release of solo albums and collaborations with other artists."

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At the time, HYBE's parent company, BIGHIT MUSIC, added, "BTS now starts a new chapter with new solo projects as well as group projects. Members will take this time to achieve personal growth through various new activities, and we expect it to further strengthen the foundation for the group's long-run as a team. BIGHIT MUSIC will actively support the artists."

A spokesperson for the group also told Pitchfork, "To be clear, they are not on hiatus but will take time to explore some solo projects at this time and remain active in various different formats."