BTS member Jin, 31, has officially completed his mandatory 18-month military service in South Korea. The eldest member of the globally renowned K-pop group was discharged on Wednesday, June 12, marking a significant milestone for both him and the BTS fandom.
Jin, who enlisted in December 2022, is the first among the seven-member group to finish his military duties. His return was celebrated with a heartwarming reunion with his bandmates, who were granted leave to join him on this special day. A video shared by Reuters captured the joyous moment as Jin, dressed in his army fatigues and a black beret, received a bouquet of flowers and shared laughter with his fellow BTS members.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the surprise performance by RM, the group’s leader. RM played a saxophone rendition of their chart-topping hit “Dynamite” at the military base in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province. Jin later shared his emotions during a Weverse livestream, admitting, “I cried during the ceremony, but it was so fun for the last year and six months. It’s such a relief I met so many amazing people.”
Big Hit Music, BTS’s agency, had earlier released a statement on Weverse, informing fans about Jin’s imminent discharge and urging them not to visit the military base to avoid overcrowding. The statement read, “Jin is close to completing his active service in the army and will soon be discharged.”
Jin’s discharge marks the beginning of a new chapter for BTS, who are currently on a three-year hiatus due to their military commitments. The remaining members—J-Hope, V, RM, Jimin, Jung Kook, and Suga—are still serving and are expected to complete their duties by June 2025.
To celebrate his discharge, Jin planned an event in Seoul on Thursday, where he was expected to greet fans and perform a solo show featuring fan song requests. According to BBC, his first public event included a raffle where 1,000 fans had the chance to hug the singer in a “hugathon” at the Seoul Sports Complex.
Korean media were present outside the military site, streaming live coverage of Jin’s final moments in service. Footage from Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) showed Jin hugging his fellow soldiers and posing for cameras before being greeted by his bandmates. The emotional reunion was a testament to the strong bond between the BTS members.
In October 2022, just before enlisting, Jin and the rest of BTS performed a massive free concert titled “Yet to Come” in Busan, South Korea. The concert supported the city’s bid for the 2030 World Expo and attracted fans from around the globe. Shortly after the performance, Big Hit Music announced that all seven members would fulfill their military service, stating it was “the perfect time” and that the members were honored to serve.
Before his enlistment, Jin released a solo single titled “The Astronaut.” In a video message to fans, he asked them to “wait just a bit more” and promised to “start working hard soon.” With his military service now behind him, fans eagerly await Jin’s return to the music scene.
BTS is expected to reunite as a full group in 2025, once all members have completed their military service. Until then, the ARMY, BTS’s dedicated fanbase, will continue to support each member as they fulfill their duties and prepare for their eventual comeback.
Jin’s discharge and the celebratory saxophone solo from RM have undoubtedly lifted the spirits of BTS fans worldwide. The group’s unwavering camaraderie and dedication to their country and fans remain as strong as ever, promising an exciting future for BTS and their global audience.
