Time has flown by, and the moment that BTS fans, known as ARMY, have been eagerly awaiting is finally here. Jin, the eldest member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, is set to return from his mandatory military service in South Korea. The musician, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, will officially be discharged on June 12, marking the end of his 18-month service.
BigHit Music, the agency representing BTS, shared the exciting news in a statement. “We are thrilled to announce Jin’s upcoming military discharge. Jin is nearing the completion of his active service in the army and will soon be discharged,” the statement read. However, the agency also emphasized that no official gathering or event has been planned for Jin’s release and urged fans to avoid crowding the discharge site. “Please note that the discharge day is reserved for military personnel only. No special events are planned on the day of Jin’s discharge. To prevent any issues arising from overcrowding, fans are strongly advised to refrain from visiting the site. Please convey your warm regards and encouragement in your hearts,” the statement continued.
Jin’s return is a significant moment for BTS and their fans. In January, a year into his service, Jin had teased his plans for returning. In a pre-recorded video shared with fans to celebrate the New Year, he said, “I’m leaving this video so you can watch my pretty, handsome face and spend January and February warmly. I miss you all. I miss you a lot. Wait just a bit more and you’ll be able to see me with short hair. I’ll grow my hair quickly this year and I’ll be able to start working hard soon.”
As Jin prepares to rejoin civilian life, the rest of the BTS members are also in various stages of their military service. J-Hope enlisted on April 18, 2023, followed by Suga on September 22, 2023. V and RM began their service on December 11, 2023, and Jung Kook and Jimin enlisted together on December 12, 2023. The BTS ARMY is counting down the days until all members complete their service duties and can reunite as a group.
The six members currently serving in the South Korean army recently reunited to celebrate Jin’s completion of his mandatory service. In a video shared by SBS News, Jin was seen hugging and saying his farewells to fellow military members. As he left the facility, he was greeted by BTS members J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jung Kook, and RM, who played the saxophone. Later, Jin went live on Weverse for about 20 minutes, talking to his fans. Surrounded by balloons that read “Jin is back,” he also had a cake and desserts in front of him. Following the live session, BTS’ official X account posted a photo of all seven members together in the same space.
J-Hope and Suga were the next members to enlist in the military after Jin. In December 2023, Jung Kook, V, Jimin, and RM were the final four to begin their military service. Jin wished the final four members well after they began their service and shared photos of all seven together. Roughly translated from Korean, his caption reads, “Don’t get hurt and be careful.”
BigHit Music has been keeping fans updated on the members’ enlistments and has expressed gratitude for the continued love and support for BTS. “RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook will fulfill their required time with the military by enlisting in the army. RM and V will be enlisting according to their respective procedures, while Jimin and Jung Kook are scheduled to enlist together,” the agency stated. They also assured fans that they would provide all the support needed during this time.
In a Weverse live session, the four members sent a message to their fans. RM said, “We’ll go and come back healthy and smiling. Jin will return quickly and fill the empty space.” V also expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you for giving us such valuable experiences and gifts. I made so many memories with the ‘Layover’ album so thank you.” He also teased new songs and “a lot of content” that he’s prepped in the meantime, asking fans to look forward to it.
BTS went on hiatus in 2022 and announced in October of that year that the eldest members of the group were starting their personal enlisting process. By South Korean law, all young, able-bodied men between the ages of 18 to 28 must serve between 18 to 21 months in the military, with no exceptions for K-pop stars. However, a revision to the country’s Military Service Act in 2020 allowed K-pop stars to postpone their military service until they turn 30. This let Jin, who was turning 30 in December 2022, defer his service.
Despite the hiatus, BTS did not break up before their military enlistments. They took a break to pursue solo careers and projects. During BTS’ Festa dinner, which celebrates their founding, RM said that while they’ve accomplished many things together, they needed to develop and mature as individuals and solo artists. “I think we should spend some time apart to learn how to be one again,” J-Hope added. “I hope you don’t see this as a negative thing, and see it as a healthy plan. I think BTS will become stronger that way.”
It is understood that the seven members will get back together and continue being a part of BTS after they’ve completed their military services. BTS is expected to reunite in 2025, much to the delight of their fans worldwide.
