BTS member Jin, the eldest of the globally renowned K-pop group, has officially completed his mandatory 18-month military service in South Korea. On June 12, 2024, Jin was discharged from his duties, marking a significant milestone for both him and the BTS fandom.
Dressed in his military fatigues and a black beret, Jin exited the military base in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province, where he had served as an assistant drill instructor. The moment was filled with emotion and celebration as he was greeted by his fellow BTS members—J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—who had taken leave to be there for his discharge. RM even performed their hit song “Dynamite” on the saxophone, adding a special touch to the occasion.
In a livestream on Weverse later that day, Jin shared his feelings about the experience. “I cried during the ceremony,” he admitted, but also expressed relief and joy, saying, “It was so fun for the last year and six months. It’s such a relief I met so many amazing people.”
BTS’s agency, Big Hit Music, 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 agency emphasized that the day was meant for military personnel only.
Jin’s enlistment in December 2022 made him the first BTS member to begin his mandatory service, initiating a three-year hiatus for the group. The remaining members—J-Hope, V, RM, Jimin, Jungkook, and Suga—are still serving and are expected to complete their duties by mid-2025. This timeline sets the stage for a highly anticipated reunion of the group, which is tentatively planned for later that year.
To celebrate his discharge, Jin planned an event in Seoul, where he was expected to meet 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 him in a “hugathon” at the Seoul Sports Complex.
The completion of Jin’s military service also had a positive impact on the stock price of Hybe, the entertainment company that manages BTS. The stock saw a rise of more than 1% in morning trading, reflecting the market’s optimistic outlook on the group’s future activities.
Jin’s journey through military service has been closely followed by fans and media alike. Korean media outlets streamed live footage of his discharge, capturing moments of him hugging fellow soldiers and posing for cameras. The emotional reunion with his bandmates was a highlight, showcasing the strong bond between the members.
Before enlisting, Jin had released a solo single titled “The Astronaut” and had asked fans to “wait just a bit more” in a video message, promising to “start working hard soon.” His return marks the beginning of a new chapter for both him and BTS, as they look forward to reuniting as a full group in 2025.
The group’s last major performance before their hiatus was a free concert in Busan, South Korea, in October 2022. Titled “Yet to Come,” the concert supported the city’s bid for the 2030 World Expo and attracted fans from around the world. Shortly after, Big Hit Music announced that all seven members would fulfill their military duties, stating it was “the perfect time” and that the members were honored to serve.
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 is a significant milestone, not just for him but for the entire BTS fandom, who eagerly await the group’s full reunion.
As Jin steps back into civilian life, the anticipation for BTS’s return continues to build. The group’s influence and popularity have only grown during their hiatus, and their eventual reunion is expected to be a monumental event in the world of K-pop and beyond.
