Rumors have surfaced that BTS member J-Hope received special treatment during his enlistment process, with six vehicles from his agency entering the base. However, the army claims that this was a pre-arranged safety measure coordinated with the agency.
On the 21st, Newsis reported that six vehicles from HYBE entered the 36th Infantry Division (White Tiger Division) Training Center in Socho-myeon, Wonju, Gangwon Province, on the afternoon of the 18th, when J-Hope enlisted.
At the time, the White Tiger Division informed through the guardhouse’s electronic display that only one vehicle per recruit could enter the base. Multiple soldiers were stationed at the guardhouse to check enlistment notices and issue passes for each vehicle.
The media outlet pointed out that, on that day, multiple vehicles carrying BTS members Jin, RM, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, in addition to J-Hope’s vehicle, entered the base through the guardhouse. It was also pointed out that while other soldiers received their passes after showing their enlistment notices at the guardhouse, J-Hope obtained his pass in advance through his agency, Big Hit Music, which they argued was unfair. It has been reported that when Jin enlisted earlier, six agency vehicles were also allowed to enter.
Inquiries were made to Big Hit Music for clarification, but Kim, who is in charge of BTS’s public relations, avoided all calls and text messages from the press.
In contrast, the 36th Infantry Division told Hankyung, “The base cooperated in advance with the label to prevent potential safety accidents and traffic congestion caused by the enlistment of a celebrity.” They added, “We ask for understanding as this measure prioritizes the safety of the enlisting soldiers, their families, and the general public.”
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