"What a wonderful way of wrapping up the celebration!"- Netizens praise ARMY for cleaning Seoul Forest to celebrate BTS' j-hope's military discharge

Celebrations for BTS' j-hope's discharge from the military have been going on full-steam ahead since before his return with ARMYs (BTS fans) not only in Korea but worldwide rejoicing in their own ways. On October 19, 2024, the idol's fan club 'Jung Ho-seok (j-hope's real name) Flower Way Creation Group' led a clean-up mission of the Seoul Forest, concluding the festivities uniquely.

The 'Seoul Forest Clean Project' was announced to be the last of j-hope's military support projects held at 2:18 PM KST on this day, in collaboration with their Japanese fan club. In addition to picking up litter, fans posed with the idol's cardboard cut-outs in his Assistant Drill Instructor uniform, in front of the large Seoul Forest landmark sign donning official HOPE ON THE STREET merch.

Meanwhile, BTS' j-hope, who was serving as an assistant instructor at the 36th Infantry Division's new recruit training battalion in Wonju, Gangwon Province, finished his duty on October 17. While celebrations have been going on in line with his return, the thoughtful way to end it by Korean and international ARMYs, has netizens praising the effort on social media. One X-user said,

"OMG...Look at these cute ARMYS! In celebration of hobi's return, ARMYs are cleaning up the Seoul Forest today. What a wonderful way of wrapping up the celebration!"

Some supportive messages online called the fan club members "angels" and "purple fairies" for their heartfelt gesture,

"Awww You're the purple fairies of the woods," wrote one X-user.

"Armys are Angels," praised another netizen.

"Thank you so much for this amazing project," a comment read.

Here are some more,

"Such a beautiful project our Hope would be so proud of it," a post stated.

"Troopers! Thank you! Thank you for supporting him and doing good for the community!" another encouraged.

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A glimpse into the celebrations for BTS' j-hope's conscription ending

Ahead of the BTS member's discharge, the 'Jung Ho-seok Flower Way Creation Group' also established a bench garden named 'J-Hope Forest 2' in Seoul Forest in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. According to The Digital Times' October 13 report, the fan club stated in an explanation that its purpose was to celebrate the BTS member's discharge.

Meanwhile, this project followed the creation of the original 'J-Hope Forest Bench Garden' which happened as a donation project in October 2023. 'J-Hope Forest 2' is located between the central pond and the water playground in Seoul Forest.

The bench garden which has been newly created, next to the large J in the forest, features a seating area of wooden benches of various heights and sizes, arranged in different directions. The word HOPE is displayed on the front while plants adorn the 'H' and 'P'-lettered boxes, as well as the areas surrounding the benches, thus making up the name J-Hope in perfect order.

Korean media covered the news of the idol's discharge from days before the actual date and even acknowledged the ARMY's Seoul Forest project.

While his discharge venue was crowded with ARMYs who were awaiting a glimpse of the idol, BTS' Jin also surprised those present by greeting j-hope with a massive bouquet and holding the mics for him as he spoke to the media. Outside the HYBE headquarters, fans not only from Korea but overseas as well had gathered to welcome back the 30-year-old artist.

As per user @HobiCasa on X, the on the street singer also received a warm send-off by almost all the soldiers of the Baekho New Recruit Training Unit, seemingly alongside the battalion commander, the company/platoon commanders, and instructors.

Several ARMYs sent message banners and aerial banners, apart from displaying the idol on electronic ads around Seoul. Display trucks had been arranged with his pictures and were seen around the HYBE building on the day. International fans also joined in through various celebrations including listening parties where they played BTS' and j-hope's music.

Additionally, the rapper was grandly welcomed back by the BigHit Music staff with colorful balloons and flowers, including a special comeback party thrown for the big day. The BTS member himself went on a Weverse live at around 12:30 PM KST on the same day, to greet and talk to fans worldwide after his hiatus from the limelight, much like Jin did upon his return from the army in June of this year.

During his live-stream, he mentioned feeling like the third phase of his life had begun.

"Having completed my military service, I feel like this marks the third chapter of my life."

He added that now being able to set aside his beret and uniform, he is ready to step back into the shoes of BTS' j-hope.

"I've already decided on the kinds of activities I'll pursue. I'll be putting away my beret and uniform to show you J-Hope of BTS again, not Sergeant Jung Ho-seok. Thank you for waiting, and I love you all."

j-hope is the second member to have finished his conscription after BTS' Jin. He reportedly had a noteworthy military career, earning the title of a special soldier and receiving an early promotion to the position of Sergeant. The other five members continue to diligently fulfill their duties while BTS as a full group is expected to return in the second half of 2025.