BTS Completes Military Service: A New Chapter Begins for the Global Sensation
BTS, the South Korean boy band that has taken the world by storm, has reached a milestone moment: all seven members have officially completed their mandatory military service. Beginning in December 2023 with the early discharges of RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook, through Jin’s return in June 2024, J-Hope’s release in October 2024, and culminating with Suga’s discharge on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the group is now fully reunited and ready to embark on the next chapter of their storied career.
For over a decade, BTS has been at the forefront of the global music scene, shattering records and redefining what it means for a South Korean act to achieve worldwide fame. Their collective enlistment in South Korea’s mandatory military service—a requirement for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28—posed both a challenge and an opportunity: a temporary pause in group activities that would test fans’ patience and the group’s long-term cohesion.
In late 2020, South Korea’s National Assembly amended the Military Service Act to allow exceptional cultural contributors to defer enlistment until the age of 30. This revision was widely viewed as a nod to BTS’s unparalleled impact on the nation’s cultural exports and the soft power they generated. The law gave each member the flexibility to choose their enlistment date, balancing personal readiness and group continuity. RM, the group’s leader, was the first to don the uniform, enlisting in December 2021; he was followed shortly by V, Jimin, and Jung Kook, all of whom completed their service by the end of that month in 2023.
Jin, the group’s eldest member, enlisted in early December 2022 and completed his service on June 12, 2024. J-Hope, known for his boundless energy and signature dance moves, enlisted in April 2023 and was released in October of the same year. Finally, Suga, the group’s rapper, songwriter, and producer, enlisted in September 2023 and concluded his duties on June 21, 2025, marking the full circle of BTS’s military journey.
“The last two years have been a period of growth and reflection,” Suga said moments after stepping off base. “Hello everyone, it’s good to see you. This is Suga. It’s been about two years. How have you all been?” His words, simple yet resonant, underscored his gratitude to fans who stood by him throughout the rigorous training and adjustment to military life.
Suga’s discharge was broadcast live on BTS’s official YouTube channel, drawing millions of simultaneous viewers from dozens of countries. Fans, known as ARMY, shared photographs and videos from viewing parties around the world, celebrating not just his return but the reassembly of the entire group.
RM, the group’s intellectual leader, offered a reflection that highlighted the camaraderie he built with fellow enlistees. “Those around him who also did the same and he wanted to thank the army not the military army,” he remarked in a short video published by fans. While his phrasing drew some confusion in translation, the heart of his message was clear: gratitude for the shared experience and a recognition of the bonds formed during service.
J-Hope further personalized the experience in a heartfelt letter released days before his own discharge. “I’ve been packing, giving away some of the gear I came to cherish, and my locker’s starting to look a bit empty, and that’s when the feeling really starts to sink in,” he wrote. His words conveyed both an appreciation for the discipline and routine of military life and a tinge of melancholy as he closed that chapter. The letter, published in Moneycontrol on September 17, 2024, gave ARMY members a window into his emotions during the final days of his service.
For BTS’s management company, BigHit Music, the staggered discharge schedule was a strategic move. Rather than having all members leave service simultaneously, this approach allowed each member to re-familiarize himself with the entertainment world gradually and enabled the group to plan their comeback with greater precision. Fans and industry analysts have noted that this phased return could lead to a series of solo projects, collaborations, and eventually, a full-group comeback that harnesses the collective energy of all seven.
According to AP News, BTS’s ambassadorial role has boosted South Korea’s cultural exports by an estimated $4 billion annually. The government’s decision to amend the Military Service Act was directly influenced by BTS’s economic and diplomatic contributions—an unprecedented accommodation for a pop act.
During their hiatus from the stage, each member pursued individual interests. RM continued his philanthropic initiatives, including donations to educational causes. V explored acting, announcing a role in an upcoming Korean drama. Jimin collaborated with international artists, releasing a solo single that trended globally upon its surprise drop. Jung Kook focused on his photography and art, holding a virtual exhibit of images captured during his travels. Jin, known for his culinary interests, launched a cooking show on BTS’s official channel. J-Hope deepened his engagement with dance workshops, mentoring young artistes online, while Suga channeled his creativity into composing tracks for emerging artists.
These solo ventures not only kept BTS in the public eye but also set the stage for a dynamic group reunion. Many analysts predict that BTS’s next album will reflect the members’ individual growth during their time apart, blending diverse musical styles and personal influences. Fans are especially curious to see how Suga’s production skills, honed during his military downtime, will shape the group’s sound.
As of now, no official comeback date has been announced. BigHit Music has stated only that “BTS will reunite completely and soon deliver new music and performances that fans can look forward to.” Industry insiders suggest a late-year release to coincide with major global music festivals and year-end awards shows.
The completion of military service is more than a bureaucratic milestone for BTS; it symbolizes renewed unity and the promise of fresh beginnings. For ARMY around the world, it means the return of a phenomenon that has defined a generation. As the group prepares to reconvene, their impact—as cultural ambassadors and trailblazers—remains undiminished.
In the words of Suga, stepping back into civilian life: “I’m excited and a little nervous, but mostly I just want to perform again. Thank you for waiting for me. Let’s make new memories together.”
With that, BTS stands on the threshold of a new era—one in which they will once again command stages worldwide, their experiences in uniform enriching the art they create and the messages they share.
Sources:
- AP News: https://apnews.com/article/bts-suga-kpop-returns-south-korea-military-service-2d9c423b51768657a59cd52db09ff5ff
- Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-suga-message-fans-military-service-ends-1235369557/
- YouTube (BTS RM’s Statement): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4ltfi9_qZO0
- Moneycontrol: https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/bts-j-hope-shares-a-heartfelt-letter-with-fans-ahead-of-military-discharge-article-12823764.html