Former BTS Members Complete Military Service; September 23 Speculated as Potential Comeback Date

All members of the K-POP group BTS have finished their mandatory military service in South Korea. With SUGA, BTS’s MAKNAE, recently completing his service, every one of the seven members has now fulfilled their military obligations, an event fans are describing as a “major turning point.” The group’s two-and-a-half-year hiatus is expected to come to an end soon. Speculations regarding BTS’s comeback timeline have intensified. According to a notice posted on Weverse regarding “ARMY membership renewal,” new membership cards will be released on July 3, while official membership gifts are set to be distributed on September 23. Fans believe this date is likely not just for gift distribution but could also mark the full group’s comeback. Previously, March 2026 was speculated as the comeback date, but HYBE officially denied this. Recent statements from BTS members further support the theory of an imminent comeback. V mentioned during a recent Weverse live that something “big” is planned, while RM and j-hope revealed they are preparing for music releases and large-scale promotions. BTS has not performed as a full group in nearly three years since their last concert in October 2022, leaving fan expectations for a reunion at an all-time high. BTS’s comeback could also have significant economic impacts. According to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, a single BTS concert can generate 1.2 trillion won in economic benefits, clearly demonstrating the group’s influence within South Korea’s entertainment industry and the global economy. Korean men are legally required to serve 18 to 21 months of mandatory military service between the ages of 18 and 28, a situation that forces many young people to interrupt their education, careers, and friendships, often leading to social discontent. There was also public debate regarding whether BTS members should be exempt from service due to the billions of dollars they had earned for the country. However, after previous cases of celebrities violating military rules led to the abolition of the special forces program in 2013, BTS members followed standard military procedures. BTS’s reunion is expected to be more than just a musical performance; it will serve as a testament to the global influence of South Korean popular culture. Fans are awaiting official announcements, focusing on plans for a reunion by the end of the year and the September 23 gift distribution date.