BTS Completes Mandatory Military Service
All seven members of BTS have now completed their mandatory military service, marking a monumental moment in K-pop history. For nearly three years, the world’s biggest boy band has been on hiatus from group activities as each member fulfilled South Korea’s conscription requirement. Now, with Suga discharged this past Saturday, BTS is officially whole again and poised to make a triumphant return in 2025.
Background on South Korea’s Military Service Requirement
South Korea mandates that all able-bodied men serve in the military for approximately 18–21 months. This policy has long been a point of tension for high-profile public figures, especially top-selling entertainers like BTS. Under special circumstances, celebrated artists may receive certain deferments, but the requirement cannot be waived entirely.
BTS and Military Service
BTS debuted in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE Labels) and rapidly rose to global stardom. Their achievements include multiple Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, sold-out stadium tours, and unprecedented cultural influence on a global scale. With this unparalleled success came scrutiny over how the members would approach their service obligations.
Initial Deferments and Public Discussion
Shortly after their debut, BTS members faced mounting public discussion about whether and how they would serve. The group’s record-breaking achievements fueled petitions to grant them exemptions, a controversial suggestion that the government ultimately did not adopt. Instead, authorities allowed deferments until the age of 30—a window that all members fell into.
Timeline of Enlistments and Discharges
1. RM (Kim Nam-joon) enlisted in December 2023. V (Kim Tae-hyung) enlisted on the same day. Both completed their service in June 2025, marking a significant milestone when they returned together. "RM & V finished their military service today!" reads the celebratory TikTok post by koreanhoon_ on June 10, 2025.
2. Jimin (Park Ji-min) and Jung Kook (Jeon Jung-kook) followed suit with concurrent enlistments. Their service concluded alongside RM and V in June 2025. As reported by AP News on June 20, 2025, "Jimin and Jung Kook are back after completing military service."
3. Jin (Kim Seok-jin), the group’s eldest member, was the first to return, having been discharged in June 2024. His early return granted fans a glimpse of a partial reunion at several public events.
4. J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok) completed his service in October 2024, keeping momentum alive for BTS’s eventual full reunion. "J-Hope was discharged in October," noted the AP News article detailing BTS’s progress through service.
5. Suga (Min Yoon-gi) was the final member to conclude his alternative service duties, officially discharged on Saturday, June 20, 2025. "All seven members have returned," Suga declared, confirming the end of a chapter defined by individual growth and sacrifice.
Significance of Full Group Reunification
BTS’s regrouping carries deep symbolic weight. Fans around the world have eagerly awaited the day when the septet would stand onstage together again. Beyond mere nostalgia, the event represents:
- The resilience of BTS’s international fanbase, known as ARMY, which continued to support solo projects, individual member activities, and the group’s philanthropic initiatives during the hiatus.
- The members’ personal growth. Each artist used service time to refine skills, compose new music, and plan for future artistry. Suga, for instance, reportedly worked on demos and production ideas during his alternative service placement.
- A renewed sense of purpose. The industry and its artists often regard military service as a rite of passage. Returning together strengthens BTS’s bond and underscores their commitment to one another and to fans.
Fan Reaction and Industry Impact
Social media platforms buzzed with excitement the moment RM and V were discharged, and the momentum only grew with each returning member. Hashtags such as #BTSComplete, #ARMYUnited, and #BTS2025 topped global trends. ARMY organized streaming parties, fan art campaigns, and countdown events in anticipation of the full group’s comeback.
Industry stakeholders also took notice. Concert promoters, sponsors, and streaming services are laying groundwork for BTS’s next global tour and album release. Insiders suggest negotiations for major brand partnerships are already underway, leveraging BTS’s still-strong market influence.
Solo Endeavors During Hiatus
While BTS was on break, members pursued solo music, acting roles, hosting gigs, and philanthropic endeavors:
- RM released a solo mixtape acclaimed for its introspective lyricism and jazz influences.
- V starred in a historical drama that earned strong viewership ratings.
- Jimin and Jung Kook collaborated on charity singles, donating proceeds to education initiatives.
- J-Hope launched a dance academy in Seoul.
- Jin appeared on variety shows and endorsed multiple luxury brands.
- Suga produced tracks for emerging artists, showcasing his prowess as both rapper and songwriter.
These projects kept BTS’s presence alive in the public eye, and each member brought back fresh perspectives to the group dynamic.
Expectations for 2025 and Beyond
BTS’s full reunion is slated for 2025, with plans for a new studio album and a stadium tour stretching across Asia, Europe, and North America. Fans expect:
- A concept that reflects maturity and the years spent apart.
- Musical experimentation to build on the group’s legacy while exploring new genres.
- Collaboration with international artists, given BTS’s role in bridging East-West music markets.
Both industry analysts and fans anticipate record-breaking ticket sales and chart performances. The group’s previous album topped charts in over 20 countries, and members are determined to raise the bar even higher.
Conclusion
The completion of mandatory military service by all seven BTS members is a landmark moment not only for the artists themselves, but for the K-pop industry and global music culture. Their journey from enlistment to discharge underscores dedication, growth, and an unwavering connection with fans. As BTS readies itself to reclaim the world stage in 2025, the anticipation has never been greater. One thing is certain: when BTS returns as a united septet, they will do so stronger and more inspired than ever before.
Sources:
- AP News: “All 7 BTS members are now done with mandatory service,” June 20, 2025. https://apnews.com/article/bts-suga-kpop-returns-south-korea-military-service-2d9c423b51768657a59cd52db09ff5ff
- TikTok by koreanhoon_, “RM & V military discharge,” June 10, 2025
- AP News: “BTS members on military service completion,” June 20, 2025. https://apnews.com/article/bts-suga-kpop-returns-south-korea-military-service-2d9c423b51768657a59cd52db09ff5ff