Jin, the eldest member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, has officially completed his mandatory military service in South Korea. The 31-year-old, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, was discharged on Wednesday after 18 months of service. This marks a significant milestone as he is the first among the seven-member group to finish the national duty that temporarily paused their music careers.
Television footage captured Jin in a military uniform and black beret, visibly emotional as he embraced his colleagues at a military base in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province. “I cried during the ceremony,” Jin later shared during a livestream on the Weverse fandom platform, which garnered over 3 million views. He expressed his relief and joy, stating, “It was so fun for the last year and six months. It’s such a relief I met so many good people.”
Several other BTS members, who are currently serving their military duties, reportedly applied for leave to celebrate Jin’s discharge. Among them was rapper RM, who greeted Jin with a saxophone performance of their hit single “Dynamite.”
Jin was the first BTS member to enlist in December 2022. The remaining members began their service in December 2023, with the group expected to reunite in 2025 after all members complete their duties. Jin plans to celebrate his discharge with an event in Seoul on Thursday, where he will greet fans and perform. BTS’ label, Hybe, has organized the event at the Jamsil Sports Complex, selecting 1,000 fans to hug the star.
BTS, since their debut in 2013, has achieved global superstardom, earning No. 1 singles in over 100 countries and amassing more than 74 million Instagram followers. They were named Time magazine’s Entertainer of the Year in 2020. In 2022, the group visited the White House to discuss Asian representation and anti-Asian hate crimes, which surged during the pandemic.
Beyond their musical achievements, BTS members are also influential fashion icons. In 2021, Louis Vuitton named them brand ambassadors, and they have been featured in campaigns for Valentino and Dior. Dior’s artistic director Kim Jones even designed custom stage outfits for their 2019 tour.
South Korea mandates all able-bodied men between 18 and 28 to serve 18 to 21 months in the military or social service. However, a 2020 law revision allowed globally recognized K-pop stars to delay enlistment until age 30. Jin, being the oldest member, was the first to enlist, followed by J-Hope in April 2023. Suga began alternative military service in September due to shoulder surgery. The remaining members—RM, Jimin, Jungkook, and V—started their service in December and will be discharged in June 2025.
BigHit Music, BTS’s management agency, had advised fans not to visit the army base on Jin’s release day to avoid overcrowding. However, a photo posted on social media showed the seven members of BTS sitting together, with balloons spelling out “Jin is back” in the background.
Jin, still in his military uniform, addressed fans in a live chat on Wednesday, saying, “I am back after a year and six months, everyone.” He added, “I feel weird saying this myself, but I did really well in the military. I was the mood maker for our company. We got along so well that they all cried when I left.”
Fans online celebrated Jin’s return using the hashtag #WelcomeBackJin. Messages of congratulations and pride flooded social media, with some fans expressing their emotions through tears. Even the U.S. Embassy in Seoul congratulated Jin, looking forward to BTS continuing to make a positive impact globally.
Under South Korea’s conscription system, all able-bodied men must serve at least 18 months in the armed forces by age 28. Men with physical limitations or health concerns can perform alternative services, such as administrative roles. Suga, due to a shoulder injury, is completing his duties through social service.
The decision for BTS members to fulfill their military obligations sparked a social debate in South Korea about whether pop stars should be exempt due to their artistic achievements. While some athletes and award-winning artists receive exemptions, K-pop stars like BTS do not.
Jin had deferred his conscription until age 30 and began his 18-month service in December 2022. BTS, since their debut, has been nominated for several Grammy awards and sold millions of records with hits like “Stay,” “Fake Love,” and “Butter.” They have collaborated with Western artists and taken on roles addressing the United Nations and meeting with global leaders.
Jin’s discharge comes just ahead of the 11th anniversary of BTS’s debut. He will participate in a “huggathon” on Thursday, where he will hug 1,000 fans who won a raffle. Jin mentioned that the “huggathon” was his idea, initially wanting to hug 3,000 fans but agreeing to a smaller number for safety reasons.
Jin’s successful completion of military service is significant for his career, as serving in the military is a major issue for K-pop male idols. His discharge is seen as a positive sign for entertainment stock prices, with HYBE’s share price rising. The next BTS member to finish will be J-Hope, who will be discharged in October, with the rest of the band completing their service in June 2025.
