Even when J-Hope is not making music, he is still making waves.
The BTS rapper and dancer, currently serving in the military, has proven that his talents extend far beyond the stage.
On June 4, the South Korean military hosted the Strong Warrior, Army! Presentation Contest at the Seoul War Memorial Museum, an event that aligns with the Month of Patriotism and Veterans.
Among the 170 military personnel who participated, BTS’ J-Hope stood out with his impassioned speech. The Arson rapper began by saying, “Once I heard this from a Korean fan before I began my military service. I am so grateful that all seven BTS members are Korean citizens.”
[풀버젼] 2024 육군 발표 경연 대회 프리젠테이션 – 정호석 병장 스피치
— 올라(Ola) (@ola_jhope) June 4, 2024
주제 : K-POP을 세계로 이끈 선두주자, BTS 제이홉에서 대한민국의 군인, 정호석 병장이 느낀 대한민국 군인이라는 ‘자부심’#BTS #방탄소년단 #제이홉 #jhope pic.twitter.com/j6Gqoq0yjJ
He said that at first, he took those words as just regular compliments, but he realized their significance after enlistment, “However, after I saw trainees focusing on their training session with videos and photos of BTS being used as training materials, after I heard every trainee telling me at graduation ceremony ‘It was an honor to be with you’, I couldn’t help but feel that my service as a boot camp trainer indeed is quite meaningful for the trainees to start their important role to secure our nation.”
He went on to add, “This makes my days more valuable and rewarding. As my blood, sweat and tears with my voice I shed on stage has contributed to the cultural development of our country, I now feel that I am making a great contribution to the Republic of Korea in a different way by serving my military service.”
J-Hope expressed pride in serving in the military, “I pride myself on doing my military service in the Republic of Korea.”
The 36th Division took top honors at the military presentation contest, with J-Hope’s standout speech and his team’s hard work paying off in a big way.
Lastly, he is serving in the military as an assistant instructor at the Baekho Recruit Training Battalion, 36th Infantry Division, in Wonju, Gangwon-do. J-Hope received an early promotion to special warrior and is diligently carrying out his military duties.