▲ J-Hope of K-pop superband BTS appears in this image captured from his Instagram post. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, June 5 (Yonhap) -- J-Hope, a member of the group BTS currently serving in the military, has received the top prize at the Army presentation competition for his heartfelt reflections on his military service.

 

According to the music industry on the 5th, J-Hope participated in the "2024 Strong Warrior, Army! Presentation Competition" held the previous day at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul. His presentation was titled "From Leading K-pop Globally as BTS's J-Hope to Feeling Proud as a Korean Soldier, Sergeant Jung Ho-seok (J-Hope's real name)."

 

J-Hope shared, "After enlisting, I saw BTS videos and photos being used as educational materials in the mental strength training textbooks for recruits. When recruits complete their training, they often say, 'It was an honor to be together.' At that moment, I realized that I was taking a valuable first step alongside those who would become a pillar of South Korea's security."

 

▲ BTS member J-Hope is seen in these photos captured from K-pop fan community platform Weverse. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

J-Hope enlisted as an active-duty soldier in April last year and is currently serving as an instructor at the 36th Division's recruit training center.

 

He reflected, "These days, I feel like I'm spending very meaningful and rewarding days. Just as my blood, sweat, and tears on stage contributed significantly to the development of Korean culture, I now feel that I am contributing greatly in a different way as a soldier in South Korea."

 

He emphasized, "Now, as Sergeant Jung Ho-seok, not BTS's J-Hope, I am proud to serve and protect South Korea. Serving as a soldier in the Republic of Korea gives me immense pride."

 

J-Hope is scheduled to be discharged in October.

 

▲ BTS member J-Hope is seen in this photo provided by BigHit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]