BTS member Suga has officially completed South Korea's mandatory military service, marking the full return of all seven members of the global K-pop group from conscription. The milestone has reignited anticipation among fans worldwide for the group's long-awaited reunion, expected in 2025 with a projected world tour in 2026.
Suga, a rapper and songwriter, fulfilled his military duty as a social service agent-an alternative form of enlistment-after using up his remaining leave. The group's management agency, Big Hit Entertainment, confirmed that his official discharge date was Saturday. The company said no public event was planned for his return out of concern over crowd control.
His discharge follows that of members RM and V, who completed their army service last week, and Jimin and Jung Kook, who were discharged the following day. Jin, the oldest member, finished his term in June 2024, while J-Hope exited in October.
The moment marks a full-circle return for BTS, whose members voluntarily enlisted amid ongoing debate over whether top-tier entertainers should be granted exemption. In 2020, the National Assembly amended the Military Service Act, allowing K-pop artists who receive government cultural merit honors to defer enlistment until age 30. BTS subsequently postponed their service under the revised rule.
Public discourse intensified in 2022 over whether BTS should receive special exemption status similar to Olympic athletes or classical musicians. Ultimately, Big Hit Entertainment announced in October 2022 that all seven members would fulfill their service obligations.
South Korean law mandates that all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 serve 18 to 21 months in the military. The system is designed to bolster national defense against North Korea, which remains technically at war with the South since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce rather than a peace treaty.
For fans, known as ARMY, the return of all seven members signals a long-awaited moment. "It's gone past excitement and into almost being numb," said Ayla O'Ryan, 45, from Scotland. "I hope they can explore whatever music... anything they want to do because I will always support them," said Alice Bonamy, a BTS fan and interpreter from France.
NH Investment & Securities, one of South Korea's largest financial firms, has projected that BTS will hold its largest-ever world tour in 2026. The reunion is expected to restore the group's full commercial potential, following years of individual activities and national service.
