Photos: BTS’ J-Hope Makes A Memorable Return At Korean Baseball Match

Freshly discharged from his military service, BTS’s J-Hope wasted no time making a dynamic return to the spotlight. On October 23, the rapper-singer delighted fans by throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the KBO League Korean Series game between the Kia Tigers and Samsung Lions, held at Gwangju KIA Champions Field. The event, initially scheduled for October 22 but delayed due to heavy rain, had BTS’s ARMY eagerly anticipating J-Hope’s first public appearance post-service.

As J-Hope made his way onto the field, it was evident that the anticipation had paid off. He showcased his personal style and hometown pride by wearing a purple glove—a distinct tribute to BTS and their devoted ARMY. The colour purple carries profound meaning for the group and its fans, representing love and trust. To add a personal touch, J-Hope’s name was elegantly embroidered on the glove.

Hailing from Gwangju, J-Hope has been a devoted fan of the Kia Tigers, a passion that his fans have come to recognize through his music. His track “Ma City” pays tribute to his roots with the lyric, “Jeollanam-do Gwangju baby – Put KIA in, start the engine, and bounce like crazy,” beautifully illustrating his deep connection to the team. This loyalty not only highlights his personal ties to his hometown but also resonates with his audience.

Despite showing a hint of nerves, J-Hope delivered his pitch with grace and enthusiasm, thrilling the crowd as they cheered him on. After the pitch, he greeted the fans with his signature energy, waving and flashing a playful V sign, which has become one of his trademark gestures.

Watch it here:

This event marked J-Hope’s first public appearance since being discharged from the military on October 17th. During a media interaction after his return, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “I have to say a word of thanks. Firstly, thank you so much. I was discharged from the military in good health. Thank you really. I want to thank all the reporters who came this long way. And I was able to finish the service well and in good health thanks to the fans,” reports Allkpop.

J-Hope’s military service had been spent at the 36th Infantry Division in Wonju, where he served as an instructor. As one of BTS’s most beloved members, his return to civilian life has been eagerly awaited by fans and the music industry alike. While his next project remains under wraps, his solo album Hope On The Street continues to resonate with fans and they are eagerly anticipating what he’ll do next.