All Seven BTS Members Complete Military Service, Eyes Set on 2025 Reunion
All Seven BTS Members Complete Military Service, Eyes Set on 2025 Reunion
SEOUL, South Korea – On June 21, 2025, Min Yoon-gi, known to the world as Suga, officially completed his mandatory military service, marking the end of a chapter that has spanned more than two years for the global K-pop phenomenon BTS. As the last of the seven members to finish his duties, Suga’s discharge closes a period defined by national obligation, personal growth, and unwavering support from millions of fans around the world. With all members now having fulfilled their enlistment requirements, anticipation is building for the group’s long-awaited reunion, tentatively scheduled for later this year.
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BTS, the seven-member South Korean boy band that has dominated global music charts, now stands united once more after each member completed mandatory service. Suga’s discharge as a social service agent on June 21, 2025 completes the group’s national duty, paving the way for a full-group comeback. Fans and industry observers alike are closely watching Big Hit Entertainment’s plans, as BTS’s return promises to reshape the music landscape in 2025.
Background: South Korea’s Military Service Requirements
In South Korea, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve approximately 18 to 21 months in the military, with limited exemptions. Iconic figures such as BTS face both scrutiny and support; their service is viewed as a demonstration of national solidarity and a rite of passage.
Six BTS members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—enlisted between 2022 and 2023. Jin, the eldest member, entered service in December 2022 and was discharged in June 2024. J-Hope followed, serving from 2023 until his October 2024 discharge. RM enlisted in October 2022, emerging from service in April 2024. Jimin’s enlistment in November 2022 led to his July 2024 discharge, while V and Jungkook, who enlisted in December 2022 and January 2023 respectively, were discharged in August 2024 and March 2025. Suga, whose selected alternative service placement involved social welfare duties rather than active combat training, completed his obligations most recently.
Replacing the typical active duty, social service agents assist with public sector work, ranging from community outreach to administrative tasks. Suga served as a social service agent in his hometown, where he supported vulnerable populations under the oversight of local authorities. Although the daily routines differed from his bandmates’ rigorous military training, the role required discipline, adaptability, and humility—qualities Suga himself has noted in past interviews as contributing facets of his personal development.
Timeline of BTS Members’ Service
Member Enlistment Date Service Type Discharge Date
Jin December 2022 Army June 2024
RM October 2022 Army April 2024
Jimin November 2022 Army July 2024
V December 2022 Army August 2024
JungKookJanuary 2023 Army March 2025
J-Hope March 2023 Army October 2024
Suga April 2023 Social Service AgentJune 21, 2025
The last year has been a patchwork of phased discharges, with fans celebrating each return but also enduring waiting periods for full-group activities. Dedicated hashtags trended globally with each member’s discharge, demonstrating the group’s far-reaching impact and the genuine affection of the ARMY fanbase.
Suga’s Alternative Service and Official Discharge
Min Yoon-gi opted for alternative service, working as a social service agent—a choice permitted under South Korean law for individuals with qualifying circumstances such as medical or family considerations. Over the course of his two-year tenure, Suga was assigned to administrative duties at a public community center in Daegu, where he managed welfare projects and assisted elderly residents.
Associated Press reported, “Suga has been discharged from South Korea’s mandatory military service, marking the official return of all seven members from their enlistment duties.” His official discharge date of June 21, 2025, was confirmed by South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration.
Despite the completion of his duties, Big Hit Entertainment chose to forego any public celebration or fan event to avoid issues with crowd control. In a press statement, the agency said, “To ensure public safety and order, we will not hold any official events for Suga’s discharge. We appreciate the understanding and respect of fans worldwide.”
Impact on BTS and the K-pop Industry
BTS’s hiatus from collective promotional activities posed both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the absence of group releases left a gap in the music market at a time when K-pop’s global influence was solidifying. On the other hand, each member’s individual projects—ranging from solo music releases to acting ventures—continued to garner attention, maintaining BTS’s presence.
J-Hope released a surprise mixtape in July 2024, while RM’s photography book and V’s acting role in a high-profile film generated significant buzz. Jimin and Jungkook contributed to soundtracks for Korean dramas, further illustrating their versatility. These solo endeavors allowed members to explore new creative outlets, broadening their artistic identities.
Concurrently, Big Hit Entertainment nurtured younger acts to fill the promotional void. Boy groups such as TXT and NewJeans, both under the same corporate umbrella, experienced surges in global streaming numbers and album sales. This strategic continuity ensured the company’s sustained market presence, even as BTS members fulfilled their national obligations.
Global Fanbase and Public Reactions
The ARMY, BTS’s dedicated fan community, demonstrated unwavering support through organized volunteer efforts and charitable donations. In Korea, fans coordinated blood drives and local clean-up events to coincide with each member’s discharge date, reflecting BTS’s long-standing culture of social responsibility.
Internationally, fans gathered in front of South Korean embassies and consulates, sending letters and video messages to celebrate the members’ returns. Despite Big Hit Entertainment’s request to refrain from large gatherings, grassroots fan groups respected these guidelines, opting instead for digital campaigns. The hashtag #WelcomeHomeSuga trended on Twitter, with over four million mentions in the 24 hours following the discharge announcement.
Reunion Plans for Late 2025
With all members now discharged, attention turns to BTS’s planned reunion as a seven-member unit. The Associated Press reports, “The seven singers of the popular K-pop band plan to reunite as a group sometime in 2025 now that they’ve finished their service.” While specific dates and venues have not been officially announced, industry insiders point to a possible comeback during the second half of the year, aligning with major music festivals in Europe and the United States.
Speculation centers on a multi-phase rollout that may include:
Lead Single Release: A pre-release track to reignite fan excitement, possibly in September or October 2025.
Full Album Launch: A studio album combining solo influences with classic BTS synergy, slated for late 2025.
World Tour Announcement: Potential world tour dates starting in early 2026, with stadium venues across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Documentary Feature: A behind-the-scenes look at the members’ service experiences and creative processes, for streaming platforms.
In interviews prior to enlistment, members expressed both concern and optimism about their future as a group. RM said, “We’ll come back stronger. This time apart has given us perspective and deeper artistic insight.” Jimin added, “I miss the stage and the energy of our fans. I can’t wait for the day we all stand together again.”
Challenges and Expectations
BTS’s return will not be without hurdles. The music industry has evolved rapidly in their absence. New K-pop acts have formed global followings, and digital consumption habits continue to shift. BTS will need to adapt their promotional strategies to modern trends such as short-form video platforms and virtual fan events.
Moreover, each member’s evolving identity poses both creative richness and logistical complexity. Solo careers have flourished; balancing personal ambitions with group commitments will require careful planning. Fans have speculated about potential sub-unit releases—such as RM and Suga collaborating on introspective tracks, or Jimin and V exploring R&B influences.
Big Hit Entertainment is reportedly developing a comprehensive roadmap to synchronize solo and group projects. A senior industry executive commented anonymously, “BTS’s legacy is unmatched, but their comeback must resonate with contemporary audiences. It’s a delicate balance between honoring their roots and embracing innovation.”
Conclusion
The completion of military service by all seven BTS members is both a national milestone and a pivotal moment for the global music industry. From Jin’s discharge in June 2024 to Suga’s return in June 2025, the journey has reflected individual growth and collective resilience. As ARMY and observers worldwide eagerly await BTS’s next chapter, the groundwork is set for a triumphant reunion that could redefine pop music in 2025 and beyond.
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Sources:
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/7-bts-members-are-now-done-mandatory-service-rcna214052
https://apnews.com/article/bts-suga-south-korea-military-service-boy-band-a0fd2487c9859805f50a891b7f2b93a0