BTS Triumphantly Reunites as All Members Complete Military Service
📢 BTS Triumphantly Reunites as All Members Complete Military Service
On June 21, 2025, South Korea’s global supergroup BTS officially marked the end of a significant chapter in their storied career as all seven members completed their mandatory military service. This milestone has been long anticipated by the band’s devoted fanbase, known as ARMY, and represents the reunion of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook after periods of individual service obligations.
The Republic of Korea mandates that all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 serve between 18 and 21 months in the military. BTS members began enlisting in phases starting with Jin in December 2022. The final member to complete service was Suga, who was discharged on June 21, 2025, after fulfilling his duties as a social service agent due to a shoulder injury that redirected him from active duty.
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With the discharge of Suga on June 21, BTS is now whole again. The return of all seven members ignites both celebration and anticipation in South Korea and around the world, as fans eagerly await the next chapter in BTS’s career. Suga’s heartfelt letter to ARMY captures the emotion of this long-awaited reunion, offering both gratitude and reflection on the challenges he faced during his time away.
Background: Enlistment Timeline
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• Jin enlisted on December 13, 2022, becoming the first member of BTS to begin his military service. He served in active duty and was discharged in June 2024.
• Suga enlisted on September 22, 2023, as an active-duty soldier but was transferred to a social service role in December 2023 due to a pre-existing shoulder injury. His discharge on June 21, 2025, marked the completion of his 21-month requirement.
• J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook followed throughout 2023 and 2024, with their staggered enlistments culminating in full group service completion by mid-2025.
This structured approach ensured that BTS remained in phased hiatus rather than completely off the radar, allowing individual members to maintain limited communication with fans through occasional mixtapes, solo promotions, and carefully timed social media updates.
Suga’s Discharge and Letter to ARMY
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Upon his discharge, Suga released a candid and poignant letter addressing the BTS ARMY. Excerpts from his message include:
“Dear ARMY, thank you for your patience and thank you very much. And I’m sorry for making you disappointed and worried about what happened last year.”
He continued by reflecting on the personal growth he experienced:
“I think I had two years to think about myself.”
Acknowledging the difficulties he encountered, Suga expressed remorse over past missteps:
“It’s all my fault. My carelessness is giving everyone who cares about me a hard time. I will try not to do anything wrong again and live with repentance.”
These words resonated deeply with fans, who have followed the members’ service journeys closely and offered unwavering support through various online campaigns, fan letters, and charitable donations in BTS’s name.
Cultural Context: Military Service in South Korea
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South Korea’s mandatory military service law reflects the nation’s ongoing security concerns on the Korean Peninsula. All able-bodied men between 18 and 28 must enlist for 18 to 21 months, depending on their assigned branch of service. Exemptions or deferred service are granted only under narrow circumstances, such as severe health issues or exceptional contributions to national prestige—though new guidelines have not provided waivers for top cultural figures like BTS.
BTS’s staggered enlistment schedule was unprecedented for a group of their stature. Their management company, Big Hit Music, coordinated with government authorities to ensure each member could fulfill both his service obligations and his commitments to fans. During service, members remained largely out of public view but occasionally shared updates via letters or V Live broadcasts, maintaining a sense of continuity.
Fan Reactions and Global Impact
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Worldwide celebrations erupted on social media once news of Suga’s discharge broke. Hashtags like #WelcomeBackSUGA and #BTSComplete trended on Twitter, while YouTube fansites posted compilations of highlights from BTS’s career. In Seoul, ARMY organized outdoor fan gatherings near the Seoul Grand Park, where Suga completed his final duties, laying tribute banners and songs in his honor.
Analysts note that BTS’s return as a full group will likely spark a surge of activity across music charts, endorsements, and global tours—the likes of which the music industry has not seen since their historic 2021 Billboard Music Awards dominance. Their return also coincides with the International Music Festival season in Asia, fueling speculation about a major comeback performance.
Implications for K-Pop and Beyond
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BTS’s service completion sets a precedent for other K-Pop idols approaching enlistment age. Industry stakeholders anticipate that agencies may adopt similar staggered enlistment strategies for their leading acts. Moreover, BTS’s successful navigation of military service without losing global relevance underscores the power of digital engagement and strategic content releases.
Beyond music, BTS’s hiatus highlighted members’ individual strengths: Suga’s acclaimed solo mixtape released during his service garnered critical praise; RM curated a collaborative art exhibition; Jimin and V each sold out virtual fan meets; and Jungkook participated in high-profile brand campaigns. These solo endeavors helped sustain the group’s brand value and ensured that ARMY remained connected to each member’s personal journey.
Looking Ahead: The Post-Service Era
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With all members now discharged, BTS has signaled that they are preparing new group projects. Industry insiders hint at an album release as early as late 2025, followed by a world tour spanning Asia, North America, and Europe. The narrative of reunion and renewed creativity is expected to resonate strongly with fans who have awaited the group’s full return for nearly three years.
In his letter, Suga concluded on an optimistic note:
“Now that I’m back, I want to make music that gives strength and comfort to everyone. Let’s move forward together.”
As BTS steps back into the global spotlight, the reunion of all seven members not only marks the end of military obligations but also the beginning of a new era—one defined by resilience, growth, and the unbreakable bond between BTS and ARMY.