A second member of Korea's BTS — the first K-pop band nominated for a Grammy — has begun the enlistment process for mandatory military service, according to his management.

BTS announced last year they would join the military starting with Jin, who turned 30 and enlisted in December after postponing his service as long as permitted.

An official at the band's management, BigHit Music, said on Sunday that J-Hope, whose real name is Jung Ho-seok, had applied to end postponement of his enlistment.

"We would like to inform our fans that J-Hope has initiated the military enlistment process," BigHit Music said.

"We ask you for your continued love and support for J-Hope until he completes his military service and safely returns."

All able-bodied South Korean men ages 18-28 must serve in the military for about two years.

A 2019 legislative revision allowed globally acknowledged K-pop stars to delay signing until they are 30.

Some politicians have pushed to sharply reduce their service along the lines of what is required of Olympic and Asian Game medallists and some classical musicians, but their efforts made little progress.

South Korea's defence minister has said BTS members could perform overseas while serving.

Many artists have been designated as such "entertainment soldiers".