J-Hope of BTS, who is currently serving in the military, won the grand prize at the Army Publication Contest by revealing his honest thoughts about his military service.

According to the music industry on the 5th, J-Hope participated in the '2024 Strong Warrior, Army!' event held at the Seoul War Memorial the day before. He entered the 'Presentation Contest' and took the podium on the topic of 'The pride of being a Korean soldier, to becoming Sergeant Jung Hoseok (J-Hope's real name), from J-Hope, the leader who led K-pop to the world, in BTS.'

He said, "After entering the military, I saw videos and photos of BTS appear as educational material in the mental strength textbook that trainees learn, and I saw that they were able to concentrate. Every time the trainees complete the course, they tell me, 'It was an honor to be with you.' At that time, I I felt that my presence was taking a valuable first step with those who will become one of the pillars of the security of the Republic of Korea,” he said.

J-Hope enlisted in the Army as an active-duty soldier in April last year and is currently serving as an assistant instructor at the 36th Division's Recruit Training Center.

J-Hope said, "I feel like I'm spending very meaningful and rewarding days these days. Just as the blood, sweat, tears, and voice I shed on stage contributed greatly to the development of Korean culture, I feel that I am now contributing greatly to the Republic of Korea in a different way as a soldier." “He said.

He then emphasized, "Now, this is the Republic of Korea that I have to protect as Sergeant Jung Hoseok, not as BTS J-Hope. Serving as a Korean soldier is a great source of pride for me."

J-Hope is scheduled to be discharged from military service in October.

<Photo=J-Hope's Instagram>

<Translated by=Jisu Kim (Dispatch)>