Jin, the eldest member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, has officially completed his mandatory 18-month military service in South Korea. On Wednesday, the 31-year-old emerged from the military base in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province, dressed in military camo and a black beret, marking the end of his service.
As Jin exited the base, he was warmly greeted by his fellow BTS members—J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—who embraced him and presented him with a bouquet of flowers. RM, who is currently serving in a military brass band, played BTS’s hit song “Dynamite” on a saxophone to celebrate Jin’s return.
Following his discharge, Jin appeared on a live stream on the Korean social platform Weverse, where he shared his emotional experience, revealing that he cried during the ceremony. He expressed relief and joy, stating that the past year and a half had been fun and that he had met many amazing people.
The stock price of Hybe, the entertainment company managing BTS, saw a slight increase, reflecting the positive sentiment surrounding Jin’s return. The company’s shares rose more than 1% in morning trading before settling at $144 (KRW 199,100), up 0.56% from the previous day.
Jin is the first of BTS’s seven members to complete his military service. The remaining members—RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook, J-Hope, and Suga—are currently fulfilling their mandatory duties. By mid-2025, all members are expected to have completed their service, paving the way for a highly anticipated reunion. Hybe has tentatively set 2025 as the year for BTS’s comeback.
Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 are required to serve in the military for 18 to 21 months, depending on the branch of service. Jin’s completion of his service marks a significant milestone for the group and their fans, known as ARMY.
In December 2022, Jin was the first BTS member to enlist, initiating a three-year hiatus for the group. During this period, the members have focused on solo projects and fulfilling their military obligations. Jin’s return is a momentous occasion for both the group and their fans, who have eagerly awaited this day.
Big Hit Music, BTS’s agency, had previously advised fans not to visit the military base to avoid overcrowding. Despite this, Korean media and fans eagerly awaited Jin’s return, capturing the emotional reunion with his bandmates.
Jin’s discharge comes just ahead of BTS’s 11th debut anniversary. To celebrate, Jin is expected to hold a fan event in Seoul, where he will greet fans and perform a solo show featuring fan song requests. A raffle will allow 1,000 fans to participate in a “hugathon” with Jin at the Seoul Sports Complex.
Before enlisting, Jin released a solo single titled “The Astronaut.” In a video message to fans, he asked them to wait a bit longer, promising to work hard upon his return. His discharge marks the beginning of a new chapter for both Jin and BTS, as they prepare for their eventual reunion in 2025.
The completion of Jin’s military service has been met with widespread celebration and support from fans worldwide. Social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages, with hashtags like #WelcomeBackJin trending globally. Even the U.S. Embassy in Seoul extended their congratulations, highlighting BTS’s positive impact on South Korea and the world.
South Korea’s conscription system requires all able-bodied men to serve in the military, with exceptions granted to certain athletes and award-winning artists. The debate over whether K-pop stars like BTS should be exempt from service has been ongoing, given their significant contributions to South Korea’s cultural and economic landscape.
Jin’s return is a testament to his dedication and commitment, both to his country and his fans. As BTS continues to navigate their individual and collective journeys, the anticipation for their reunion grows stronger. For now, fans can look forward to Jin’s solo activities and the eventual return of all seven members, united once again.
