BTS’s J-Hope promises a “Path of Flowers” for fans after completing military service.
J-Hope, a member of BTS, recently shared his first message post-discharge, promising fans that he would now let them “walk a path of flowers.” Interestingly, his fanbase has already been creating actual flower paths in Seoul, bringing joy to citizens and visitors alike.
In Seoul, there is an idol fandom that has received an official city award for their contributions to the city’s green spaces. Recognized for creating a beautiful environmental asset that anyone visiting the park can enjoy, J-Hope’s fan group, known as the “Jung Hoseok Flower Path Project Team,” took the initiative to establish and maintain a public garden.
The fan group was recently honored by the city of Seoul for leading the “garden culture” movement, receiving the Garden City Award for their work. At the recent awards ceremony, Seoul presented the “Jung Hoseok Flower Path Project Team” with the Excellence Award for their efforts in beautifying the city’s parks.
Named after J-Hope’s real name, the Jung Hoseok Flower Path Project Team created the “J-Hope Forest Bench Garden” in October 2023, located in Seoul Forest Park, which has since become a global attraction.
The garden, positioned on a 20-square-meter plot between the park’s central pond and water playground, features a large “J”-shaped bench inspired by J-Hope’s initials. It is surrounded by a diverse array of 18 plant species, including skyrocket juniper, white dogwood, hydrangeas, helenium, and thyme, creating a vibrant, floral display.
The success and popularity of the J-Hope Forest among both local citizens and international visitors inspired the fan group to expand their efforts last month. In celebration of J-Hope’s discharge, they established “J-Hope Forest 2” near the original garden as a tribute to his return.
J-Hope, who became the second BTS member to complete his military service following Jin, greeted fans worldwide through a live broadcast on the day of his discharge. During the broadcast, he referenced this “path of flowers” himself, promising fans, “This is truly the start of the third act of my life. I’ll show you a lot of great things. I’ll let you walk the path of flowers. No more waiting shoes—just flower shoes from now on.”
