K-pop sensation J-Hope, a member of the globally renowned boy band BTS, has completed his mandatory military service in South Korea. The 30-year-old star was discharged on Thursday after 18 months of duty, sparking excitement among fans for a potential BTS reunion in the near future.

J-Hope is the second member of the seven-member group to finish military service, following Jin, who completed his duties in June. Wearing a military uniform and black beret, J-Hope smiled and greeted Jin, as well as about 100 fans and reporters, upon his release at a military base in Wonju, Gangwon province.

"Thanks to the fans, I was able to finish the service safely and in good health," J-Hope said during his greeting. He also expressed his respect for the soldiers he served with, saying, "What I've realized over the past year and a half is how hard soldiers are working and dedicating themselves to protect the country. I hope the public continues to show love and support for those in service."

Following J-Hope’s discharge, shares of BTS’s label, HYBE, rose 7 percent in early afternoon trading. The final four BTS members began their service in December 2023, and the group is expected to reunite in 2025 once all members have completed their military obligations.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing all the BTS members together again," said 33-year-old Chilean fan Constanza Godoy, who was present to witness J-Hope's release. "I believe that after this time apart, they will be even closer, and it will reflect in their music and lyrics."

BTS ranks 41st among the best-selling artists of all time, having sold over 56 million physical albums and singles since their debut in 2013. They have also achieved six No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve between 18 and 21 months in the military or social service. However, a law passed in 2020 allows globally recognized K-pop stars to delay their service until the age of 30.

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