A member of South Korean boyband BTS was discharged from South Korea’s military on Thursday after 18 months of duty.

       J-Hope, 30, wearing a uniform and a black beret, smiled as he was greeted by around 100 cheering fans upon his release at a military base in Wonju, Gangwon province.

       He was joined by fellow BTS member Jin, who finished his military service in June.

       The remaining members started their 18-month service in December 2023, pausing the group’s musical career before it is expected to reunite in 2025.

       “Thanks to the fans, I was able to finish it [the service] safely, with health,” said J-Hope.

       “What I’ve felt for the past a year-and-a-half is that a lot of soldiers are working hard, dedicating themselves, and doing so much to protect the country.”

       BTS ranks 41th among best-selling bands of all time, according to music industry researchers Chartmasters.

       Since their debut in 2013, the band has sold more than 56 million albums and singles.

       South Korea requires all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve between 18 and 21 months in the military or social service.

       The country revised the law in 2020 to let globally recognised K-pop stars delay signing up until age 30.