BTS’ RM and V Complete Military Service; All Members Set to Be Discharged by Mid-July as Reunion Approaches After 3 Years

RM and V of the K-POP supergroup BTS completed their 18-month mandatory military service and were discharged on the 10th. With this, all seven members are expected to finish their service by the end of June, making a reunion of the group after approximately 3 years since June 2022 a reality. RM and V saluted the media and fans in their military uniforms in front of a military base in Chuncheon. RM served as a member of the military band for the past two years, while V worked as a sergeant in a special forces unit. In front of the media, V said, “I am grateful to everyone who waited for ARMY (BTS’s fan club). If you wait a little longer, we will return with an absolutely amazing performance.” RM played a saxophone using his experience from serving in the military band and stated, “Although it is said that we had the shortest military service in history, there were many difficult moments as I entered this stage at an older age.” He added, “I hope the younger members currently in service can complete their remaining training safely, return to society healthy, and allow us to meet again.” BTS announced in June 2022 that they would take a break from activities while their members fulfilled their mandatory military service. The oldest member, Jin, enlisted in 2022, followed by J-Hope and SUGA. RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook enlisted in December 2023. With the discharge of RM and V now complete, only Jimin and Jung Kook remain, with both set to be discharged in sequence by the end of this month. SUGA is scheduled to be discharged by the end of June. HYBE, BTS’s agency, is expected to pursue a group reunion after all members have completed their discharge by the end of July. Hundreds of fans, including those from abroad, gathered in Chuncheon, where they were discharged, to celebrate RM and V’s return. Many fans wore purple clothing, the group’s signature color, and held large banners and photos to show their support. South Korea maintains a state of technical war with North Korea, requiring all healthy men aged 18 to 28 to serve in the military for about 2 years. However, there are a few exceptions such as classical musicians and athletes who have elevated the country’s status. Under a law revised by the Ministry of National Defense in 2020, BTS members were able to delay enlistment until the age of 30. Right after his discharge, RM said, “I am now ready to return to the stage as BTS’s RM. I am grateful to everyone who waited and supported us.” V added, “During my military service, I was able to reorganize myself physically and mentally. I really want to rush back to ARMY as soon as possible.” BTS has solidified its position in the global music scene since 2018, with five Grammy nominations and winning the top award at the 2021 American Music Awards. In 2021, the year before they enlisted, four of their songs made it into the top 10 of U.S. digital charts.