BTS Completes Military Service: The Road to Reunion and What It Means for K-Pop
The global phenomenon that is BTS is on the verge of a historic comeback. As of June 2025, all seven members of the K-pop supergroup are completing their mandatory military service in South Korea, setting the stage for a long-awaited reunion. The journey has been closely watched by millions of fans worldwide, known as ARMY, and has significant implications for the music industry, South Korean culture, and the global entertainment economy.
Why Did BTS Go on Hiatus? Understanding South Korea’s Military Service Law
South Korea requires all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve 18 to 21 months in the military. This conscription system is a response to ongoing tensions with North Korea and is seen as a civic duty. While athletes and classical musicians who win top international prizes can receive exemptions, pop stars and entertainers, including BTS, are not eligible for such privileges.
As BTS’s fame soared globally, there was heated debate in South Korea about whether the group should be granted an exemption. Lawmakers and fans argued that BTS had contributed immensely to the country’s international prestige, but the military and some segments of the public resisted, citing fairness and the importance of equal duty. Ultimately, the law was amended to allow K-pop stars to delay enlistment until age 30, but not to exempt them entirely. In 2022, BTS’s management announced that all seven members would fulfill their service obligations, leading to a group hiatus.
The Timeline: How Each BTS Member Served
The process of enlistment and discharge for BTS members has been staggered over several years:
- Jin: The eldest member, Jin, was the first to enlist and completed his service in June 2024.
- J-Hope: Finished his military duties in October 2024.
- RM and V: Both enlisted in December 2023 and were discharged together on June 10, 2025.
- Jimin and Jungkook: The youngest members, known as the “maknae line,” completed their service on June 11, 2025.
- Suga: Served as a social service agent, an alternative form of service, and is scheduled to be discharged on June 21, 2025.
Each member’s discharge was met with fanfare, with hundreds of fans from around the world gathering outside military bases, despite requests from the group’s label to avoid large crowds for safety reasons. The emotional reunions were livestreamed and widely covered by international media.
Fan Reactions: A Global Outpouring of Support
The return of BTS members has sparked celebrations not just in South Korea but across the globe. Fans, some traveling from as far as Mexico, Turkey, Brazil, and Portugal, gathered to witness the discharges. The devotion of ARMY is legendary, with many fans expressing that the wait was worth it to see their idols return to civilian life.
Rosie Tanquilut, a 64-year-old fan from the Philippines, shared her excitement with reporters:
“We’ve been counting the days since they entered military.”
Another fan, Reina Lorena Quintero Sevilla, traveled nearly 18 hours from Mexico City, saying:
“It didn’t feel that long because we’re so excited to be here, to watch the boys get released, excited to be in South Korea, in the hometowns of our boys, who we love, who we adore.”
These scenes underscore the global reach of BTS and the deep emotional connection between the group and its fans.
What Did the Members Say After Discharge?
Upon their release, BTS members expressed gratitude and reflected on their experiences. RM, the group’s leader, spoke candidly about the challenges and growth he experienced during service. He told reporters:
“There were tough and painful moments, of course, but during our service, I came to deeply appreciate the many people who have protected this country.”
Jimin acknowledged the difficulties of military life but also its value:
“After experiencing military life firsthand, I can say it truly isn’t easy… if you happen to pass by a soldier, even a small word of kindness would mean the world to them.”
Jungkook, meanwhile, looked to the future:
“Now that we’ve been discharged, I believe it’s time for us to keep drawing the picture we’ve always envisioned. We’ll make sure to prepare well and show you an even better version of ourselves.”
V added that he felt “remade in mind and body” and was eager to reconnect with ARMY as soon as possible.
How Did Military Service Affect BTS and K-Pop?
The hiatus of BTS had a profound impact on the K-pop industry and South Korea’s economy. Before their enlistment, BTS generated more than 5.5 trillion won (about $4.6 billion USD) in annual economic impact, accounting for roughly 0.2% of South Korea’s GDP. Their absence was felt in music sales, streaming, tourism, and even the stock market—Hybe, BTS’s management company, saw its stock price drop 25% when the hiatus was announced.
Despite the break, BTS members continued to release solo projects, some of which achieved historic milestones. Jimin became the first Korean solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 with “Like Crazy,” while Jungkook’s solo debut “GOLDEN” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. These achievements kept BTS in the global spotlight and maintained anticipation for their return as a group.
What’s Next? The 2025 BTS Reunion and Future Plans
With all members completing their service by June 21, 2025, BTS is poised for a powerful comeback. Their first public reunion is expected at the 2025 BTS FESTA, scheduled for June 13-14 at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea. This event will mark the 12th anniversary of their debut and is anticipated to be a major celebration for fans and the group alike.
HYBE, the group’s agency, has signaled the return with a giant sign on its Seoul headquarters reading “WE ARE BACK.” All seven members have renewed their contracts, and industry analysts predict a massive global impact from their comeback, with expectations of new music, world tours, and special content for fans.
Why Is the BTS Reunion So Significant?
BTS’s return is more than just a musical event—it’s a cultural moment. The group’s influence extends beyond entertainment, shaping global perceptions of South Korea and K-pop. Their music, performances, and social messages have resonated with diverse audiences, breaking language and cultural barriers.
Their reunion is expected to:
- Boost the South Korean economy through increased tourism, merchandise sales, and media attention.
- Reinvigorate the K-pop industry, inspiring other groups and artists.
- Provide a platform for new music and creative projects that reflect the members’ growth during their hiatus.
- Strengthen the bond between BTS and ARMY, who have supported the group through every challenge.
Industry experts, like Yoo Sung-man of Leading Investment and Securities, believe the comeback will have a “massive global impact across all fronts—music streaming, album sales, and concerts.”
Looking Back: BTS’s Rise to Global Stardom
BTS debuted in 2013 and quickly rose to prominence in South Korea before achieving international fame. Their hits like “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Permission to Dance” topped charts worldwide, and they became the first all-South Korean act to reach No. 1 on both the Billboard 200 and the Billboard Hot 100. The group’s appeal lies in their musical versatility, dynamic performances, and authentic engagement with fans.
They have received five Grammy nominations, won the top prize at the American Music Awards in 2021, and have been recognized for their contributions to music and culture. Their influence has been compared to that of Elvis Presley, who also returned to stardom after military service, sparking a new era in his career.
In Summary
- All seven BTS members are completing their mandatory military service by June 21, 2025, paving the way for a full-group reunion.
- The group’s hiatus was due to South Korea’s conscription law, which does not exempt pop stars from service.
- Fans worldwide have celebrated each member’s discharge, highlighting BTS’s global impact and devoted following.
- BTS’s return is expected to boost the South Korean economy, the K-pop industry, and global music markets.
- Their first major reunion event is set for June 2025, with new music and tours anticipated.
- BTS’s journey through military service underscores their commitment to both national duty and their fans, setting a powerful example in the world of entertainment.
