BTS Completes Mandatory Military Service, Set to Reunite as a Full Group
BTS, the global phenomenon that transformed the face of K-pop, has officially completed its mandatory military service in South Korea, marking the first time since their debut in June 2013 that all seven members will be available to work together as a full group. The final discharge took place on June 19, 2025, when SUGA, who served as a social service agent due to a shoulder injury, completed his term. With SUGA’s return, the band that shattered records and captivated audiences worldwide is poised to reunite later this year.
Lead
After a two-and-a-half-year period of staggered enlistments and solo activities, BTS is set to resume activities as a collective unit. Fans around the world, known as ARMY, have awaited this moment since December 2022, when oldest member Jin first reported for active duty. Throughout this interval, individual members released solo music, engaged in various creative projects, and fulfilled philanthropic commitments. Now, with SUGA’s discharge, the septet is officially whole again.
Background and Historical Context
Debuting under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE) in June 2013, BTS—comprising Jin, SUGA, j-hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—quickly rose from rookie underdogs to international icons. Their 2017 single “DNA” broke into the Billboard Hot 100, making them the first Korean boy band to do so. That breakthrough was followed by a string of chart-toppers, including Love Yourself: Tear and Map of the Soul: Persona. They have sold out stadiums on multiple continents and received nominations for major awards, cementing their status as cultural ambassadors.
Under South Korean law, all able-bodied male citizens must complete roughly 18 to 21 months of military service, a requirement that often disrupts entertainment careers. BTS members enlisted on staggered schedules, minimizing the impact on group activities and allowing the band to maintain a presence through solo releases and virtual engagements. The pattern began with Jin in December 2022 and concluded with SUGA in mid-June 2025.
Key Facts
• All seven members of BTS have completed their mandatory military service in South Korea.
• SUGA, the last member to be discharged, served as a social service agent due to a shoulder injury sustained prior to enlistment.
• BTS is officially expected to reunite as a full group later in 2025, with project details to be announced by their agency.
• The group debuted in June 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment and achieved their first major U.S. breakthrough in 2017 with “DNA.”
• BTS has been credited with driving global interest in K-pop and contributing to South Korea’s cultural exports.
Official Statements from Big Hit Music
In an official press release regarding SUGA’s imminent discharge, Big Hit Music emphasized safety and gratitude. “We are excited to bring you the news of SUGA’s upcoming Social Work discharge,” the statement read. “SUGA is close to completing his service as a Social Work Personnel and will soon be discharged. No special events are planned on the day of SUGA’s discharge. Overcrowding can pose safety risks, and we sincerely request our fans not to visit the sites in person. Please convey your warm regards and encouragement in your hearts.”
The company also expressed appreciation for fan support: “We are always grateful for your unwavering love and support for SUGA. Our company will continue to put our utmost effort into supporting our artists. Thank you once again for your continued love and support for BTS.” (Source: Billboard) URL: https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/bts-label-suga-military-discharge-close-completion-reunion-1236001934/
Interviews and Personal Reflections
During his service, Jimin took time to reflect on how military life had shaped him. In a letter published by The Economic Times, he wrote, "It’s not easy, but I’ve been learning and experiencing things, so I’m looking forward to the day when I can chat with you all about everything that’s happened here." He also shared how late-night conversations with Jungkook evolved: "One thing that has changed, though, is that since the year turned, the conversations Jungkook and I have before going to bed have changed a lot." Jimin concluded with a reaffirmation of his commitment: "My determination to give you the best stage possible, for all of you who have waited for us, has not wavered." (Source: The Economic Times) URL: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/btss-jimin-pens-a-letter-for-army-opens-up-about-military-life-and-late-night-talks-with-jungkook/articleshow/117699389.cms?from=mdr
Implications for BTS and the K-pop Industry
BTS’s full return symbolizes more than the reunion of seven artists; it represents a milestone in K-pop’s global expansion. The group’s continued dominance has opened doors for other Korean acts on world stages. Their influence extends beyond music into fashion, philanthropy, and social issues. South Korea’s government has cited BTS as a driving force behind the so-called “Hallyu” wave, with estimates attributing billions in economic value to their activities.
With individual members having explored solo projects—RM’s introspective rap albums, j-hope’s dance-driven releases, Jimin’s emotive vocals, V’s genre-bending explorations, Jungkook’s dynamic performances, and Jin’s collaborations—fans anticipate how these experiences will coalesce into BTS’s next group chapter. Observers predict new music, elaborate world tours, and multimedia projects that leverage each member’s growth.
Future Outlook and Reunion Plans
While no official dates have been announced, industry insiders speculate a comeback in the fourth quarter of 2025. HYBE executives have hinted at a global tour that could begin in Seoul and extend to North America, Europe, and beyond. Analysts believe the reunion will set new benchmarks for album sales and ticket demand, given BTS’s track record.
Moreover, the members have expressed a desire to engage in more co-creative endeavors with fans, potentially reviving the interactive online content that characterized their pre-enlistment era. From livestreamed Q&A sessions to fan-curated setlists, the group’s approach is expected to blend digital engagement with large-scale live experiences.
Conclusion
BTS’s completion of military service marks a historic moment for the group, their fans, and the wider K-pop industry. It signifies the end of an era defined by individual resilience and the beginning of a new chapter fueled by collective energy. As ARMY around the world prepare to welcome BTS back as a united septet, expectations run high for innovative music, boundary-pushing performances, and continued cultural impact. The path that began in 2013 with seven young artists from Seoul is poised to reach new heights, reminding the world why BTS has become synonymous with ambition, creativity, and global unity.