Two members of the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS were discharged from South Korea’s mandatory military service on Tuesday, expressing their eagerness to return to the stage, igniting excitement among fans.
The group, South Korea’s most successful musical export, has been on hiatus since 2022 as all seven members fulfill their military obligations.
Crowds of fans gathered near the military bases where RM, BTS’s leader and recent winner of the “Favorite K-pop Artist” at the American Music Awards, and vocalist V were released. Supporters erupted in cheers as the two exited their vehicles and embraced, with RM briefly playing a tune on a saxophone and V smiling beside him, arms full of flowers.
“We really want to perform again,” said RM, still dressed in his military uniform. “We’re working hard on our new album so we can get back on stage as soon as possible.”
Reflecting on his 18 months of service, RM acknowledged it had been emotionally and physically challenging but said he grew closer to his father and longtime friends who had already served.
V described his military service as a period of mental and physical reset, adding, “Now that I’ve rebuilt myself, I just want to rush back to ARMY,” referring to BTS’s devoted global fanbase.
This week will see four members of BTS complete their service. Two were discharged last year, while the last member, SUGA — who is completing alternative service as a social service agent — will be released on June 21.
Despite safety advisories from their label HYBE urging fans to avoid the discharge sites, many still gathered outside V’s base. “I came with high hopes,” said 28-year-old fan Yang Ho-hee, surrounded by colorful banners welcoming V back to civilian life.
One banner read, “Taehyung, let’s never be apart again,” using V’s birth name, Kim Tae-hyung.
Fans from around the world gathered on a nearby football field to catch a glimpse of their idols. “I feel like crying already,” said Arlene Mendoza, a BTS fan from the Philippines. “It’s my first time seeing V in person.”
The timing aligns with BTS’s annual FESTA celebration this Friday, commemorating the anniversary of the group’s debut. Mendoza said she would attend fellow member J-Hope’s concert and other FESTA-related events.
All seven BTS members renewed their contracts with HYBE in 2023. With SUGA’s discharge imminent, industry experts anticipate the group will soon reunite, potentially boosting HYBE’s profits significantly.
“Current market expectations don’t fully reflect BTS’s potential impact,” said Lim Soo-jin, an analyst at Daishin Securities. Despite a police probe into HYBE’s chairman for alleged insider trading, the company’s shares have surged by 10% over the past week.
Before their hiatus, BTS contributed more than 5.5 trillion won (about \$4 billion) annually to South Korea’s economy — nearly 0.2% of its GDP — according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.
While HYBE has hinted at a BTS comeback in 2025, it has also noted that the members will need time to plan and prepare.
“Usually, the process moves from song creation to album release, then a tour,” said HYBE CEO Lee Jae-sang at a recent shareholder meeting. “But with BTS being a global top-tier act, we’re exploring what comes next.”
Outside HYBE’s Seoul headquarters, fans displayed banners reading, “Thank you for making even the waiting feel joyful,” while the building itself was draped with the comeback slogan: “WE ARE BACK.”
On Tuesday morning, HYBE’s shares jumped nearly 3%, hitting a two-year high.
(Source: AFP)
Advertisement
