J-Hope (right), a member of the K-pop sensation BTS, on Oct. 17 is greeted by fellow member Jin after reporting his discharge from the Republic of Korea Army's 36th Infantry Division in Wonju, Gangwon-do Province. (Yonhap News)

By Xu Aiying

J-Hope, a member of the K-pop boy band BTS, on Oct. 17 was discharged from the military as the group's second member to complete his service to his country after Jin.

J-Hope left his barracks after reporting his discharge from the boot camp of the Republic of Korea Army's 36th Infantry Division in Wonju, Gangwon-do Province. Fellow member Jin greeted him with a bouquet and gave him a congratulatory hug.

"I completed my military service in good health. I'm truly grateful," J-Hope said. "I was able to successfully finish thanks to my fans."

"What I felt over the past year and a half is that many soldiers work so hard and dedicate themselves to protecting and doing so much for the country," he added. "What will prove even more meaningful is if the public shows its warm interest and love for them."

In June, Jin was the first BTS member to finish his service. He will release next month his first solo album "Happy."

J-Hope's discharge has ignited global anticipation over what he will do.

xuaiy@korea.kr