BTS's Big Return: Military Discharge and Exciting Comeback Plans Unveiled
K-pop celebrities choosing not to fulfill their mandatory military service duty.
After a spellbinding hiatus due to mandatory military service, BTS members RM and V, two of the band's iconic stars, have officially been discharged from South Korean military duty. On June 10, 2025, under the thunderous cheers of thousands of fans from all corners of the globe, these K-pop powerhouses marched out of their military base, a moment some fans had traveled long distances to witness.
RM (Kim Nam-joon) and V (Kim Tae-hyung) embarked on their military journey in December 2023, joining Jin, J-Hope, and Suga, who were already serving their terms. Jin, the band's eldest member at 32, exited the military in June 2024, followed by J-Hope in October of the same year. Now, the eagerly awaited reunion of BTS's flawless seven members is set for later in 2025 — a moment eagerly anticipated by the global fan base of these K-pop pioneers.
On June 10, 2025, Jimin and Jungkook are also expected to complete their military service, leaving only Suga, serving as a "social service worker," to finish his service later that month. The comeback is planned to be thunderous, a unique chance for fans to witness this world-renowned band perform together once more.
No Special Treatment for K-Pop Stars
All able-bodied South Korean males aged 18-28 are required to serve in the military, with service lasting approximately 18-21 months. The goal is to maintain South Korea's readiness in light of ongoing tensions with North Korea. While athletes, classical musicians, or dancers may be exempt under certain conditions, K-pop stars such as BTS's members aren't eligible for these exemptions.
Previously, a law change enabled the postponement of service for "culturally significant artists" like BTS until the age of 30. However, the public debate over possible special arrangements for BTS in 2022 was eventually put to rest when the band's management revealed that all members would indeed comply with military service.
Started in 2013, BTS rose to prominence after releasing albums like "Love Yourself," "Map of the Soul," and "BE," topping international charts and breaking down barriers for K-pop. Famous for their empowering lyrics and moving performances, the overseas sensation was even invited to speak about self-love, youth, and social responsibility by the United Nations. Their success without Western mainstream influence makes them a standout example in the music industry.
Stay tuned for updates on BTS's future music releases and world tours as they step into a new chapter, armed with the passion and experience gained from their military service.
"I'm not going to be able to do this," RM might say as he prepares to join the ranks of entertainers, such as BTS, who have undergone mandatory South Korean military service, a period when he won't be able to create new music or perform for his fans, amidst the excitement for the world-renowned K-pop band's upcoming comeback. After their military service ends, both RM and V, along with the other members, may find themselves grappling with a sense of transformation, just like classical musicians or dancers, who have also gone through similar experiences, before they return to the global stage to entertain their adoring fans once more.
