BTS Completes Military Service as SUGA Returns from Duty, Group Set to Reunite by Year’s End

SUGA, the final member of BTS, has completed his mandatory military service in South Korea. This marks the end of military service for all seven BTS members, a moment fans have described as “historic.” With SUGA’s discharge, BTS will close a two-and-a-half-year hiatus in their activities, with the group planning to reunite by the end of the year. All physically healthy men in South Korea are required to serve 18 to 21 months in mandatory military service between the ages of 18 and 28. This requirement has long been viewed as a “source of frustration” for many young men, as it forces them to be away from education, jobs, and friends. Due to BTS’s global influence, some had speculated that they might be exempt from service. Previously, there was a special unit for celebrities that allowed them to enjoy privileges and continue working, but this system was abolished in 2013 after some stars were caught “leaving the camp more frequently than permitted.” In 2022, there were also rumors that the government might allow BTS members to “completely skip” service, with arguments suggesting they had “already served the country by earning billions of dollars” and could further assist the nation by continuing to generate revenue. Despite such discussions, all BTS members fulfilled their military obligations. During service, soldiers undergo rigorous training. At recruit training centers, including the Yeoncheon Training Center where JIN began his training in 2022, tasks such as “being trapped in a gas chamber” are carried out, along with training to detonate live grenades. Recruits sleep “30 people in one room on mats on the floor,” learn how to handle weapons and fire real ammunition, and then go through “challenging wartime scenario drills.” Meanwhile, JIN’s solo world tour, “Run Seokjin World Tour,” is scheduled for June 28 and 29 in Goyang, the first location in South Korea for the shows. Although it was initially expected to take place at the main stadium of the Goyang International Stadium, HYBE announced on June 23 that the stadium size would be reduced. Despite intense competition for tickets to RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR, which originally required use of the main stadium, the large-capacity main stadium will actually be used as an ARMY zone, verification booths, and official merchandise stores, with the actual performances held at Goyang’s auxiliary stadium. Fans have speculated that this is due to BLACKPINK’s “BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR [DEADLINE]” using the same main stadium the following weekend (July 5–6). Other theories suggest that JIN’s tour features a “Run Jin” theme, and recent announcements encouraging the use of sneakers may have been intended to reserve the main stadium for surprise events. Meanwhile, j-hope is dominating South Korean music shows with his solo song “Killin’ It Girl (Solo Version).” He appeared on major music programs starting with Mnet’s “M Countdown” on June 19, followed by KBS2’s “Music Bank” on June 20, MBC’s “Show! Music Core” on June 21, and SBS’s “Inkigayo” on June 22. On each stage, j-hope showcased a bold and seductive new dance style never seen before, performing powerful choreography alongside a synchronized dance crew. Despite the challenging moves, he maintained vocal stability, solidifying his reputation as a true performer on the global stage. Fans known as ARMY brought intense energy to live broadcasts, and their passionate cheering along with synchronized fan chats matched the intensity of j-hope’s performances, creating an unforgettable synergy. Offstage, j-hope became a topic of discussion due to extensive dance challenges with various celebrities. From broadcasting legend Park Chul-soo and comedians Lee Young-ja and Song Eun-yi to idols such as TWICE’s Sana, ATEEZ’s San, ZEROBASEONE’s Han Yujin, Illeet, and TWS, his collaborations spanned generations and genres, delivering lively chemistry and fresh entertainment value. Going forward, j-hope is set to perform as a headliner at “Lollapalooza Berlin” at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 12–13. This marks his return about three years after making history as a headliner at “Lollapalooza Chicago” in July 2022.