Although BTS have been discharged from the military for nearly a year, stories from their time in service remain a hot topic across social media. Both fans and netizens are eager to hear about what they did during their year-plus in the military, especially the funny and heartwarming moments that unfolded in such an υиєχρє¢тє∂ environment.
For example, V recently became the center of attention thanks to various military anecdotes. After sharing some of his own memorable experiences from his service days, people who had worked and lived alongside him stepped forward with their own firsthand stories, giving the public a deeper look into the BTS star's personality and admirable character.
Similar to V, j-hope's military stories also went viral on social media on the 5th!
j-hope began his mandatory military service on April 18, 2023. He enlisted at the 36th Infantry Division Recruit Training Center in Wonju, Gangwon Province, where he completed his basic military training. After finishing the training period, he was αѕѕigned as an αѕѕistant drill instructor with the 36th Infantry Division, helping train new recruits and guiding them through military life, drills, physical training, and other fundamental military duties.
About a year and a half after his discharge, j-hope appears to have returned to his former unit to visit his old comrades. Although the photos only began circulating online today, it seems that he actually visited them before embarking on BTS's world tour.
In the photos shared across social media, the BTS superstar can be seen dressed in casual clothing with a bright smile on his face, warmly shaking hands with and putting his arm around his former fellow sol∂ιєrs. Numerous active-duty sol∂ιєrs as well as commanding officers were also seen welcoming him back. The warm and friendly atmosphere captured in the photos left many viewers impressed.
The images also reminded some fans of a story once shared by an OP on the graduation day of recruits whom j-hope had personally trained. According to what the OP heard from a mother, her son carefully asked j-hope if he could take a photo with him. In response, the BTS member gave him a heartwarming smile, happily agreed, and even put his arm around the sol∂ιєr's shoulder for the picture.
The OP even commented: "The sol∂ιєr was a little concerned because he's so famous, but Hobi was an absolute angelㅠ I guess he's making fanboys there." The photos circulating today seem to show exactly what those military fanboys look like. One fan humorously commented: "Hoseok went to visit all the 'boyfriends' he left behind in the military that day... I'm positive that when he discharged, those men cried... they ℓσѕт their omega."
Meanwhile, during his military service, j-hope also became known for numerous stories highlighting his consistently admirable character. One particularly viral anecdote was shared by an ARMY whose coworker had a son serving under Instructor j-hope. According to her coworker, the BTS star was an incredibly kind training instructor who constantly encouraged recruits with hugs, praised them sincerely, and always greeted them with a warm smile.
What stood out even more was the mother's observation that while all of the instructors treated the recruits well, j-hope "treated them so delicately like a big brother taking care of his younger brother." The ARMY then shared an example: "My coworker's son hurt his finger while training, and got pointed out during shooting training, and Hobi showed him how to avoid putting too much strain on his injured finger with a detailed demonstration."
Another well-known anecdote involved j-hope supporting the small businesses owned by his fellow sol∂ιєrs' parents. The singer signed autographs and wrote encouraging messages for a dumpling shop and a kimbap restaurant run by families of sol∂ιєrs serving in his unit.
At first, many ARMYs visited these establishments believing that j-hope had personally stopped by. However, people later learned that he had never actually visited either restaurant. The autographs displayed there had been given to the owners through the sol∂ιєrs serving alongside him. What touched fans the most was the respectful language he used when addressing the parents of his fellow sol∂ιєrs, treating them with the same warmth and respect he would show his own parents.
Perhaps that is why, even after his discharge, j-hope continues to receive so much affection from his former comrades and military unit. The newly surfaced photos not only demonstrate the fondness his fellow sol∂ιєrs and superiors have for him, but also serve as further proof of the sincerity and respect with which he treats everyone around him.
Fans couldn't help but comment: "Next concert in korea will have all of those sol∂ιєrs. I know fr he is gonna ask them to salute on concert", "Pulling up to the army base in a shirt with HEART SHAPED BUTTONS. I’m gonna faint he’s too precious", "The way everyone lit up when Hobi walked in says everything about the kind of person he is. You can't fake that level of genuine affection", "Seeing his former comrades and even the officers welcoming him so warmly is honestly so heartwarming. They clearly missed him a lot", "His character and loyalty, our sunshine", "This is exactly why people keep praising j-hope's personality", "It's so wholesome to see how happy everyone was to see him again",...
