BTS’ J-Hope answers call of duty, enlists in South Korean military amid fanfare

BTS sensation J-Hope is set to commence his obligatory South Korean military service today, according to local media, becoming the second member of the immensely popular K-pop group to enlist, leading to an overwhelming show of support from fans.

The spectacularly successful septet has generated a global cultural impact, selling out stadiums internationally and topping major US charts while contributing billions to South Korea’s economy and amassing a devoted fanbase known as ARMY.

However, all able-bodied men in South Korea are required to serve at least 18 months in the military, and the longstanding debate over whether BTS warranted an exemption concluded when Jin, the group’s senior member, enlisted in December.

J-Hope, or Jung Ho-seok, is reportedly due to begin his five-week basic training at an army…