BTS Reunites on the Horizon as RM and V Complete Military Service
BTS Reunites on the Horizon as RM and V Complete Military Service
South Korea’s K-pop supergroup BTS is one step closer to full reunion now that two of its members, RM and V, have been discharged from mandatory military service. Their return to civilian life marks the end of a pivotal chapter for the group – one that tested their resilience and the unwavering devotion of their global fan base.
On a clear morning in Chuncheon City, a jubilant crowd of approximately 200 fans from Mexico, Turkey, Brazil and beyond gathered to welcome RM and V home. The anticipation in the air was palpable as supporters, some arriving after flights lasting nearly 18 hours, awaited the appearance of their idols.
Fan travel and dedication
Reina Lorena Quintero Sevilla, who traveled from Mexico City, described her journey: "It’s been almost 18 hours, but it was worth every second to watch them return." Her sentiment echoed the determination of many: securing the earliest flight, arranging time off work and navigating visa requirements, all to witness this momentous occasion. As RM and V stepped through the military compound’s gates, cheers erupted, flags waved, and phones recorded every second.
Service timeline and context
BTS, comprised of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook, has been navigating South Korea’s mandatory military service regulations which require all able-bodied men to serve approximately 18 months. RM (Kim Nam-joon) and V (Kim Tae-hyung) enlisted in December 2023, joining fellow members Jin, J-Hope and Suga who were already serving. Jungkook and Jimin are slated to begin their service later this year, leaving the full group on hiatus since late 2023.
RM and V’s completion of service opens doors for the eagerly anticipated return of the seven-member lineup. The group’s management has indicated that all members are expected to regroup in 2025, potentially heralding a new era of music, performance and global outreach.
Insights from military life
During his service, V set a personal fitness ambition: to reach 86 kilograms. He entered training at 61 kilograms and worked diligently on strength and conditioning to achieve his goal. "I achieved my weight goal and was maintaining it," he shared in a recent interview. Since his discharge, he noted, he has shed some of the weight gained during training as he transitions back to civilian routines.
RM, known for his reflective and philosophical outlook, offered insights drawn from his experience. "If you want to love others, you should love yourself first," he said, underlining the importance of self-care amid the demands of service. "Life is a sculpture that you cast as you make mistakes and learn from them," he added, a remark resonating with fans who have followed his growth since BTS’s debut.
Fan reactions and global excitement
For the ARMY – BTS’s fervent fan base – the return of RM and V marks both relief and renewed hope. Fans gathered outside Chuncheon’s discharge site represented over a dozen countries. Among them, supporters from Turkey described how they pooled resources to book group flights, turning the trip into a shared pilgrimage.
Online, social media lit up with trending hashtags celebrating RM and V’s homecoming. Viral clips of the duo waving to fans, followed by candid moments of laughter and relief, circulated across platforms within minutes. Fan accounts highlighted RM’s gracious gestures – removing his cap to bow deeply – and V’s playful wave, which elicited delighted screams from the crowd.
Planning the comeback
Industry insiders suggest BTS’s next group project could be announced once all members complete service. Speculation ranges from a world tour to a full-length album exploring mature themes informed by their years in uniform. Songwriters within the band, including Suga who is currently engaged in alternative social service, have hinted at material reflecting their personal journeys.
Company sources indicate that while contractual obligations and scheduling logistics still require negotiation, BTS’s management is prioritizing a coordinated return in the second half of 2025. This timing would align with major international music events and festivals, positioning BTS for maximum global impact.
Long-term implications
The military service hiatus has been unprecedented for a group of BTS’s stature. Yet their return may redefine how K-pop groups approach the balance between national duty and international careers. If BTS reconvenes successfully, it could pave the way for more flexible arrangements or alternative service options for other artists.
For now, RM and V’s discharge stands as a testament to perseverance, both personal and collective. As entertainers, they pa