BTS Completes Military Service: Group Reunion Set for 2025
In mid-June 2025, South Korea’s global supergroup BTS marked the final chapter of their mandatory military service, setting the stage for a full–fledged reunion in 2025. Over the past two years, each of the seven members—Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—has fulfilled conscription duties, alternately serving in active duty, reserve roles, or alternative service. The staggered enlistments began with Jin in June 2024 and concluded with Suga’s discharge on Saturday, June 21, 2025. As the last member returns, fans around the world anticipate the group’s next chapter.
Key Facts and Timeline
• Jin, the eldest member, enlisted in June 2024 and was officially discharged the same month.
• J-Hope completed his active service and was discharged in October 2024.
• RM and V enlisted together in December 2023 and were discharged in May 2025.
• Jimin and Jung Kook followed, enlisting in December 2023 and leaving service in June 2025.
• Suga wrapped up his alternative military service duties and was officially discharged on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
Big Hit Entertainment, the group’s management agency, confirmed that no public events were scheduled to mark Suga’s return, citing crowd control and public safety concerns at official discharge sites. According to an AP News report by Juwon Park and Maria Sherman (https://apnews.com/article/bts-suga-kpop-returns-south-korea-military-service-2d9c423b51768657a59cd52db09ff5ff), the agency emphasized a desire to ensure the members’ comfort and security.
Throughout their service periods, each member shared reflections in letters or short statements, expressing gratitude to the ARMY fanbase and introspection about growth, love, and purpose. Below is a comprehensive collection of verified quotes from each member, drawn from reputable media outlets.
Suga’s Reflections on Service
“I think I had two years to think about myself... been running forward, but this time has been an opportunity to look back on myself.”
“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.”
“In the future, we will try our best to repay the love you have given us. I love you.”
— From Suga’s discharge letter, as reported by Billboard (https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bts-military-service-completed-suga-letter-fan-army-1236004637/) and TODAY (https://www.today.com/popculture/music/bts-military-service-rcna128237)
RM’s Musings on Time, Love, and Reunion
“Is it spring outside? Hwacheon just got 17cm of snowfall. But I heard somewhere in Jeonbuk, it's been above minus 20 degrees.”
“There are probably many different types, and temperatures, and expressions of love. What about us? Not a one-to-one love, but a one-to-many or many-to-all love, what could we be? What does the person making music make, and what do the people listening to the music hear?”
“Right when you start to think, ‘It's gotten kinda hot, hasn't it?’ We'll be out and bothering you so much that it gets annoying. Until then, I hope you guys are killin it.”
— From RM’s letter alongside V’s, as reported by Telegraph India (https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/bts-members-rm-v-pen-heartfelt-notes-reflecting-on-their-military-service-and-life/cid/2086994)
V’s Inspirational Messages
“Don't be trapped in someone else's dream.”
“You are part of my story, memory, and scenery.”
“Love myself, love yourself, peace.”
“Purple is the last color of the rainbow. Purple means I will trust and love you for a long time.”
“Live your life. It's yours anyway. Don't try too hard. It's okay to lose.”
“Let’s be happy. Let’s cherish each moment.”
“I’ll keep going, no matter how hard it is, because I want to protect the people I love.”
“We’re part of a story, memory, and scenery.”
— From V’s letter shared ahead of his discharge, as reported by Mid-day (https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/korean-entertainment/article/bts-kim-taehyung-v-inspirational-quotes-ahead-of-military-discharge-23558047)
Jimin’s Insights on Growth and Preparation
“I’ve been serving in the military for about a year and two months now. Yes... time really does seem to flow differently here.”
"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.”
“We’ve been talking a lot about what we need to prepare before we see you again, what kind of image we want to show, and what kind of life we’ll live moving forward.”
“My determination to give you the best stage possible, for all of you who have waited for us, has not wavered.”
“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.”
— From Jimin’s candid letter, as reported by The Economic Times (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)
Jung Kook’s Ongoing Connection with ARMY
“ARMY, are you all doing well?”
“Today the weather feels unusually bleak. It's a night filled with many thoughts.”
“In those moments, I feel happy. But at times, I also feel a sense of doubt, wondering if it's all just imagination.”
“The heart that thinks of ARMY and the pencil that wrote my story belongs to you, and I will never forget that.”
“I just want you to know that I'm constantly thinking about you. I don't wish for anything else. Thank you for reading my words. I miss you all. I'm still waiting. Please take care of your health, and I love you.”
— From Jung Kook’s heartfelt letter, as reported by Allkpop (https://www.allkpop.com/article/2025/02/bts-jungkook-shares-heartfelt-letter-amid-military-service-i-think-about-army-constantly)
Jin’s Thoughts on Duty and Happiness
“I'm careful about speaking about this, but I believe it is only natural to accept the mandatory military duty.”
“You should always smile in life.”
“Your presence can give happiness. I hope you remember that.”
“Only you need to know how hard you work.”
— From Jin’s reflections on service, as reported by Koreaboo (https://www.koreaboo.com/lists/wise-quotes-bts-jin-keep-going-life-get-hard/)
J-Hope’s Evolving Artistry and Beliefs
“If there's one small belief I still hold on to, it's that if I genuinely like what I make, listeners and fans will feel that, too.”
“I had a clear vision of what I wanted to express as a solo artist - a deeper sense of maturity and growth.”
“I still want to keep taking risks, embrace pain, and grow from it all. I'm not done growing yet.”
— From J-Hope’s reflections post-discharge, as reported by Times Now (https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/korean/bts-j-hope-reveals-motto-after-completing-military-service-talks-about-how-challenging-phase-helped-him-to-grow-article-152133372)
Looking Ahead: Reunion in 2025
Big Hit Entertainment has officially stated that BTS will regroup in 2025 once all promotional schedules and personal rest periods have been accounted for. The group’s return will likely include a world tour, new album release, and potential film or documentary projects. Until then, each member is expected to spend time refining solo artistic pursuits, collaborating with other artists, and recharging after intense service commitments.
Analysts predict that BTS’s collective comeback will be one of the most anticipated entertainment events of 2025, with ticket demand and streaming projections surpassing previous records. Their hiatus from group activities has not diminished ARMY’s enthusiasm; if anything, demand has intensified as fans eagerly await new music and performances.
Conclusion
From Jin’s steadfast acceptance of duty to Suga’s introspection, RM and V’s philosophical musings, Jimin and Jung Kook’s heartfelt updates, and J-Hope’s artistic resolve, each BTS member has used military service as a period of growth, reflection, and gratitude. With the final discharge behind them, BTS stands poised to embark on their next chapter together in 2025, ready to repay the unwavering love and patience of ARMY worldwide.