Jung Ho-seok, known in the music world as j-hope, officially concluded his service in the South Korean military on October 17, 2024. Having fulfilled the requirement of 18 months, he became the second member of BTS to leave the military, following Kim Seok-jin, who returned on June 12, 2024. In a break from BTS tradition, where members typically congregate at military bases for a warm welcome, the other five members were notably absent during this occasion.
Recent reports indicate that on October 15, North Korea targeted key infrastructure by demolishing railways and roadways leading into South Korea. Two days after these attacks, on October 17, North Korea’s officials publicly declared South Korea to be a “hostile state,”aligning with new amendments in their constitution, as reported by Reuters.
Given the escalating tensions between the two nations, which have been embroiled in conflict since 1950, the remaining five BTS members (RM, V, Jimin, Suga, and Jungkook) were not granted leave in time for j-hope’s discharge.
In December 2023, BTS’s members RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook enlisted, while Suga began his alternative military service on September 22, 2023. These members had taken official leaves to celebrate Jin’s military discharge on June 12, 2024, with Jimin and Jungkook attending in their uniforms.
On the day j-hope was discharged, only Jin was present to greet him outside the Wonju Army Training Center, leading to disappointment among fans who had hoped for a full OT7 reunion amidst the tensions.
“That’s so disappointing, but I understand the situation,”a fan expressed on X.
ARMY, the devoted BTS fanbase, shared their frustrations over North Korea’s aggressive actions, which seemed to hinder the anticipated reunion of the members.
“We would love to see them together, but it’s for the best given the circumstances to avoid conflict,”noted another fan.
“When will this ongoing conflict finally come to a resolution? I’m really feeling the pressure,”a different fan stated.
“Is it really because of this situation that I missed out on my OT7 picture?”questioned another fan.
Others expressed their concern for the safety of the five members still in the military (RM, V, Jimin, Suga, and Jungkook).
“We were so close to having an OT7 reunion. Thanks a lot, North Korea,”another fan commented.
“I heard something about the destruction of a road connecting the two Koreas. Is it true? Always praying for the safety of the boys!”wrote another fan.
“It’s true, isn’t it? We would have had that OT7 picture today. I miss them dearly, especially [Suga]. I can’t help but feel emotional about not being able to see them together, at least not until June 2025,”another fan lamented.
Concerns Rise as North Korea Names South Korea a ‘Hostile State’ in Revised Constitution
In a recent parliamentary session, North Korea’s government met to amend their constitution. During this gathering, Kim Jong-un called for adjustments that reposition South Korea as its primary adversary, abandoning any goals for peaceful unification and reinforcing the notion of North Korea’s sovereignty and territorial authority.
This constitutional amendment on October 17, 2024, marked the first acknowledgment of South Korea as a “Hostile State”by North Korea since their division in 1950. As reported by Al Jazeera, North Korean state media KCNA detailed that parts of critical infrastructure connecting both Koreas were blown up to assert military claims and delineate security boundaries.
Moreover, the North Korean military has fortified its separation from South Korea by obstructing 66 yards of roads and railway on its side of the border.
BTS members Jimin and Jungkook are stationed in the 5th Infantry Division of the Republic of Korea Army, which is strategically positioned closer to the North Korean border in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province. Meanwhile, Namjoon (RM) has been assigned to the 15th Infantry Division, located in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do, approximately four hours from Seoul and close to the demarcation zone.
All five members, RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook, and Suga, are expected to complete their military service and be discharged by June 2025.
Related Articles:
“She Can Be Hateful in Public Now!” – Internet Reacts to Justine Bateman’s Claim That Last Four Years Were “Un-American”
0:21
Release Date of Zatima Season 3 Episode 10: What to Expect for Upcoming Episodes
0:19
Jeongnyeon: Episode 9-10 Recap – Moon Ok-gyeong Leaves Maeran Troupe, Seo Yong-rye Leads Yoon Jeong-nyeon Back to Pansori
0:04
Leave a Reply