BTS Returns: K-Pop Group’s Military Service Ends

SEOUL, South Korea (2025-06-20 07:50:00) — The global sensation, BTS, has officially completed their mandatory military service, marking a momentous occasion for both the group and their devoted fanbase, ARMY.

BTS’s Military Service ends

All seven members of the massively popular K-pop group BTS have fulfilled their South Korean military obligations.

• Rapper Suga was the last to be released from his duties as a social service agent.
• The other six members, RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin, and j-hope, served in the army.
• BTS is expected to reunite later this year.

So, when will BTS reunite? After years of anticipation and individual service, the beloved K-pop group BTS is officially back together, as the last member, Suga, finished his service, marking the end of a chapter and the start of a new one for the band. suga’s service as a social service agent concluded Wednesday.

The remaining members, RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin, and j-hope, all served in the army. Four members—RM,V,Jimin,and Jung Kook—were discharged earlier this month. Jin, the oldest member, was discharged in June 2024, and j-hope in October.

The group is expected to reunite later this year, generating immense excitement among fans. Before the highly anticipated reunion, let’s revisit the journey of this phenomenal group.

did you know?—BTS’s debut single album, “2 Cool 4 Skool,” was released on June 12, 2013, marking the beginning of their journey to global stardom. The album showcased their hip-hop roots and rebellious spirit.

The Rise of BTS

BTS, which stands for Bangtan sonyeondan, or “Bulletproof Boy Scouts,” debuted in June 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment, now known as HYBE. the group comprises RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook.

They began in 2013 with the hip-hop-infused single album “2 Cool 4 Skool,” releasing three full-length projects before gaining momentum with their 2016 album “Wings.”

Their global breakthrough came in 2017 when “DNA” entered the Billboard Hot 100, making BTS the first Korean boy band to achieve this. This success was followed by a performance at the American Music Awards, further expanding their international fan base.

The band is largely credited with bringing K-pop to the international stage.

Reader question:—What was your first BTS song, and how did it make you feel when you first heard it? Share your experience!

BTS broke boundaries and records across their discography. In 2020, they released “Dynamite,” their first all-English single, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—a first for an all-South Korean musical act. At the height of their popularity,BTS was not only the biggest K-pop group but also the biggest boy band worldwide.

Global Appeal and Impact

BTS has earned multiple platinum certifications from The Recording Industry Association of America. Their platinum successes include:

• 2018’s “Mic Drop”
• 2020’s “Map of the Soul: 7,” “Love Yourself: answer,” and “Idol”
• 2021’s “Be,” and song of the summer “Butter”
• High-profile collaborations “My Universe” with Coldplay and “Boy With Luv” featuring Halsey.

BTS has also been nominated for five Grammy Awards. Their first, for “Dynamite” in the best pop duo/group performance category, marked the first time a K-pop act received a Grammy nod.

As their global popularity surged, the septet became international advocates for social justice. Their 2018 address to the United Nations General Assembly launched the “Love Myself” campaign in partnership with UNICEF to combat violence, abuse, and bullying while promoting self-esteem among young people.

Their commitment to human rights activism continued in 2020 when they donated $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement, condemning racial discrimination and violence. ARMY, responded by matching the donation within 24 hours.

Their dual impact on music and social causes culminated in 2022 when they were invited to the White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes with President Joe Biden.

BTS’ Military Service: A Closer Look

In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are legally required to perform 18-21 months of military service under a conscription system designed to deter aggression from North Korea.

Pro tip:—Understanding South Korea’s conscription system provides context for BTS’s military service. The law aims to maintain a strong defense against potential threats from North Korea.

Exceptions are granted to athletes, classical and customary musicians, and ballet and other dancers who have won top prizes in specific competitions.K-pop stars and other entertainers do not receive such privileges.

However,in 2020,BTS postponed their service until age 30 after south Korea’s National Assembly revised its Military service Act,enabling K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until that age.

in 2022, public debate arose over weather to offer special exemptions for BTS members, but the group’s management announced in October 2022 that all seven members would fulfill their duties.

Solo Ventures During the Break

BTS planned their enlistments to allow members to focus on solo projects while the group was on hiatus.

Jin released two EPs, “Happy” in 2024 and “Echo” in may of this year. Suga dropped his debut solo album, “D-Day,” in 2023 under his moniker Agust D.

Also in 2024, RM released his second solo album, the experimental “Right Place, Wrong Person,” and j-hope released an EP, “Hope on the Street Vol. 1.” Earlier this year, j-hope embarked on his first solo tour.

Jimin released two projects, 2023’s “Face” and 2024’s “Muse.” V’s debut album, the alt-R&B “Layover,” arrived in 2023, as did jung kook’s retro-pop debut, “Golden.”

Exploring the Solo Ventures: What’s Next for BTS?

While BTS members were fulfilling their military duties, the solo music journeys of each member blossomed. This period not only allowed the artists creative freedom, but also offered ARMY a diverse array of music, showcasing the individual talents within the group. Diving deeper,what can fans expect from the members now that they’ve all completed their service?

the success of these solo projects underscores BTS’s versatility. Each member explored different musical styles, from Jin’s ballads to suga’s hip-hop-infused tracks. It highlights the breadth of their artistic capabilities.

Jin, known for his vocals, is expected to continue creating music. He has already released two EPs that fans loved. His future work will likely focus on melodies and emotional depth.

Suga has stated his passion for music production. his work as Agust D demonstrated his ability to write and produce tracks reflecting his personal story.It will be interesting to see if he also takes on more production roles for other artists.

RM, the group’s leader, delved into introspective themes in his second solo album. His future projects should provide listeners with deep-thinking lyrics.

j-hope’s high-energy performances and unique musical style have earned him numerous fans. Expect more music, perhaps expanding on the themes and styles in his past works and potentially showcasing more dance-focused content.

Jimin showcased a more mature side in his solo work.He delivered songs full of artistic flair. Future projects might embrace collaborations, as well as more exploration into the world of contemporary music.

V’s debut album introduced fans to his unique vocal tone and artistic vision. He may explore other genres, potentially delving into acting as well.

Jung Kook’s initial solo work leaned into pop sounds, showing his global appeal. Fans can anticipate more music, hopefully with collaborations with other popular artists and continued experimentation.

The break allowed members to develop their unique styles. Many will likely expand upon their previous success.

Actionable Insights for ARMY

• Stay updated: Keep an eye on official social media and music platforms for the latest announcements.
• Explore their discographies: Discover or revisit each member’s solo work to appreciate their artistic growth.
• Support their projects: Stream their music, purchase albums, and participate in fan-led initiatives.
• Be patient: New releases take time,but the wait will be worth it!
• Enjoy the journey: Embrace the ongoing evolution of BTS and their members’ individual careers.

Anticipation remains high for the impending BTS reunion, and the promise of more music from the group. The individual members’ solo careers have provided ARMYs with a sense of excitement. As they begin the next chapter of their careers, the world eagerly awaits what music is coming. The future is bright, and fans are ready to embrace every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of music will BTS release, post-military service? BTS is expected to release group music. They will likely release music in line with their musical roots that incorporates elements of their individual musical growth.

How will the group’s solo projects impact future group albums? The solo projects will likely serve as inspiration for group work. Through these projects, members have demonstrated how they have matured over the years

Will BTS embark on a world tour after the reunion? It is highly probable that BTS will tour, given their massive global appeal. The details of the tour will be announced by their label.

What can fans do to support BTS’s future endeavors? Fans can show their support by streaming music, purchasing albums, and promoting their comebacks on social media.