BTS' J-Hope to Drop New Hip-Hop Single Ahead Mandatory Enlistment: Fans React to 'Bittersweet' Announcement

J-Hope is returning to his roots for his upcoming release.

BTS fans are both devastated and delighted: the group's main dancer is finally leaving to complete his mandatory enlistment-but he's not leaving without one last gift.

"J-hope wrote the track to share his candid feelings towards his fans," the announcement read.

According to Rolling Stone, J-Hope will release "On the Street" on Mar. 3 before he leaves the public eye for months for his mandatory military service in South Korea.

"The title 'on the street' refers to J-hope's roots - street dance - from which his dream to become an artist began, and the path the artist and fans will continue to walk together."

"On the Street" is the South Korean star's new release since the drop of his debut solo studio album, "Jack in the Box", in July 2022.

"The key motif of the track comes from the word 'street' which can be interpreted as a place where many people's everyday lives pass by-a metaphor for life."

Prior to becoming a K-POP idol, J-Hope was part of an underground dance team.

His extensive knowledge, skill, and talent for dance catapulted him from the streets to some of the biggest music stages in the world, and he wants to pay homage to his humble beginnings through this release.

"It comes from 'street dance,' the genre that represents J-Hope's roots as an artist, and it also symbolizes the path that he will continue to take with his fans around the world."

Military Service Enlistment

According to Variety, the 29-year-old performer will be the second member of BTS who will begin his mandatory military service; a few months back, the group's vocalist, Jin, began his service on Dec. 13.

The Korean National Assembly passed a motion that granted BTS members to postpone their enlistment until age 30, but it seems like J-Hope wants no time to waste.

However, Big Hit Music, BTS' label, announced that the rapper/dancer would be pushing forward with the enlistment.

"We would like to inform our fans that J-Hope has initiated the military enlistment process by applying for the termination of his enlistment postponement," the announcement read.

"We ask you for your continued love and support for J-Hope until he completes his military service and safely returns. Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artist."

The announcement was met with mixed reactions from the fans, many were heartbroken.

Tags

J-Hope, BTS, New Song