SUGA of BTS Completes Military Service, Officially Ending All Seven Members’ Service Periods

SUGA, the last member of BTS, completed his social service duty on the 21st, officially bringing to an end the military service of all seven members. Due to a shoulder injury, SUGA opted for social service instead of enlisting in the military, allowing BTS to close a two-and-a-half-year hiatus from active performances. BTS members began serving in the military at intervals over several months following the enlistment of leader JIN in December 2022. JIN was discharged in June 2024, j-hope in October 2024, and RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook discharged collectively earlier this month. With SUGA’s service completed, BTS is now on the verge of making a full-group comeback. The BTS Festa was held on the 13th at Hall 2 of KINTEX in Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, to celebrate BTS’s 12th birthday. The event featured areas such as a “Trophy Zone” displaying 50 trophies and a “Voice Zone” where fans could listen to the members’ voices. The “Small Universe” lighting show, held at noon every day, was a highlight of the event, with fans waving their official supporters’ sticks, the Lightstick, to celebrate the group’s return. Fans from around the world expressed mixed feelings—wishing for BTS to rest while also saying they wanted “albums, concerts, and everything.” Stephanie from Brazil said, “BTS was the gateway that introduced me to Korean culture,” while Para Ala from the Netherlands added, “Just by breathing the same air, drinking the same water, and eating the same food, I felt like I was with BTS.” BTS is regarded as the only group that has established K-pop globally under the nickname “The Beatles of the 21st Century.” They became the first Korean boy band to enter the Billboard Hot 100 with “DNA” in 2017 and the first all-Korean music group to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Dynamite” in 2020. They have released major collaborations such as “My Universe” with Coldplay and “Boy With Luv” featuring Halsey, and have received five Grammy nominations. Professor Lee Gyu-tak, an expert in cultural studies, said, “Failing to serve in the military can lead to negative perceptions in Korean society, which can be fatal for idols whose image is crucial. Completing military service properly also holds significant importance for maintaining trust with fans.” Music critic Kim Young-dae explained that BTS’s completion of military service “means they have neatly fulfilled their obligations, removing unnecessary burdens and creating the opportunity to engage in activities freely.” Although HYBE has not yet officially announced plans for the seven members’ full-group activities, there is expectation that BTS’s return will inject new vitality into the K-pop industry, which has been perceived as stagnant.