BTS members Jimin and Jungkook were officially discharged from South Korea's military on Wednesday, becoming the fifth and sixth members of the K-pop supergroup to complete mandatory service, as anticipation mounts for the band's full reunion. With only SUGA remaining, who is due to finish his alternative service on June 21, BTS is poised to reconvene after a hiatus that began in 2022.
The two idols completed their 18-month active-duty stint in the Army's 5th Infantry Division Artillery Brigade, having enlisted on December 12, 2023. After their discharge ceremony, Jimin and Jungkook traveled to Yeoncheon Public Stadium in Gyeonggi Province, where they appeared before hundreds of fans and media without a formal event.
Jungkook, speaking shyly in front of cameras for the first time in over a year, said, "Thank you to everyone who came. It's been a long time since I've been in front of a camera-I didn't even wear makeup today, so I feel a little embarrassed. I'm not sure what to say." Jimin added, "Thank you so much for coming all this way to see us. And to ARMY, thank you for waiting for such a long time-from the pandemic through to our military service."
Both men saluted and shouted "Dan-gyeol!"-a Korean military call for unity-eliciting cheers from the assembled fans, many of whom had traveled from abroad. Jungkook also extended gratitude to fellow soldiers and superiors, stating, "To the seniors who went before us, the juniors still in service, the comrades who were discharged earlier, and the officers who looked after us-thank you for taking care of us."
Jimin reflected on his service, saying, "It was my first time in the military, and honestly, it wasn't easy. But through the hardships, eating meals together, and enduring together, I formed strong bonds with the people around me." He also urged the public to be kinder to soldiers, saying, "Now that I've experienced military life, I can say it's not an easy place. If you see a soldier on the street, please consider offering a warm word-it would mean so much."
RM and V were discharged one day prior in Chuncheon City, saluting as nearly 200 fans, including those from Mexico, Turkey, and Brazil, cheered their return. Reina Lorena Quintero Sevilla, who flew 18 hours from Mexico City, said, "I swear, it didn't feel that long because we're so excited to be here, to watch the boys get released."
Jin and J-Hope were discharged in June and October 2024 respectively, while SUGA continues his alternative duty as a social service agent. The group is expected to reunite in 2025.
South Korea mandates military service of 18 to 21 months for all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28. Although elite athletes and classical artists may qualify for exemptions, K-pop stars are not eligible. A revision to the Military Service Act allowed BTS members to defer enlistment until age 30. Debate over possible exemptions was laid to rest when BTS's agency confirmed in 2022 that all members would serve.
