Military reveals additional BTS bandmates
Free at Last: BTS Members RM and V Discharged from South Korean Military
Here's a shoutout to the globe-trotters who braved long hauls from Mexico, Turkey, and Brazil, gathering in Chuncheon City to cheer on their idols, RM and V. On June 10, the K-pop superstars were finally set free from their military duty, greeted with a sea of enthusiastic fans.
Reina Lorena Quintero Sevilla, a dedicated fan from Mexico, endured an epic 18-hour flight to witness this momentous occasion. With a heart full of excitement, she declared, "Between the flight time and the anticipation, it felt like a breeze! We're ecstatic to be here, to see our boys free, to be in South Korea, in their hometowns, the ones we adore!"
Both RM and V commenced their military service in December 2023, while their bandmates - Jin, J-Hope, and Suga - had been serving their time for several months before them. Jin, the eldest of the group, was the first to break free, departing in June 2024. Next in line was J-Hope, bidding adieu in October. The remaining brothers, Jimin and JungKook, are set to follow on June 11, 2025.
Suga, citing health concerns, is serving his alternative duty as a public service worker and will be discharged later this month, anticipating a reunion with his brothers.
By June 2025, all seven members of BTS will have completed their military service, paving the way for a grand reunion and potential future ventures.
In South Korea, able-bodied men aged between 18 to 28 are required to serve their country for 18 to 21 months under the conscription system to discourage aggression from neighboring North Korea. Traditionally, athletes, classical and traditional musicians, ballet dancers, and other dancers were granted special exemptions, but this privilege doesn't extend to K-pop stars or artists. However, the BTS members managed to delay their enlistment until the age of 30 thanks to revisions made to the military service law in 2022.
A heated public debate erupted as to whether the BTS members should receive special exemptions. However, their management agency made it clear that the seven members would indeed fulfill their military duties. Maria Sherman was reportedly in New York.
Now, our K-pop sweethearts are one step closer to resuming their artistic pursuits. Buckle up and hang on tight - the BTS comeback of 2025 is just around the corner!
Sources:[1] BBC News, "BTS' V and RM to be formally discharged from the military," June 10, 2025.[2] Yonhap News Agency, "BTS' RM and V Complete Military Service," June 10, 2025.[3] Associated Press, "Jimin and Jungkook also discharged from South Korean military," June 11, 2025.
Celebrating their release from military service, RM and V have now opened up avenues for future entertainment, potentially paving the way for collaborations with various artists. A global array of fans, such as Reina Lorena Quintero Sevilla from Mexico, who traveled great distances, eagerly anticipate the BTS comeback in arts and entertainment.
