South Korea's BTS, the Money-Spinning Musical Phenoms, Return from Military Service
South Korean military discharges two high-profile BTS members
BTS, the riches musical act from South Korea, emerged from their hiatus in 2022 following their completion of mandatory military service. This K-pop juggernaut has made a strong comeback, leaving fans exhilarated and cash registers ringing.
The buzz surrounding BTS's return was electrifying, as hundreds of dedicated fans descended upon the army bases where band leader RM and singer V had been stationed. As they stepped out, the air crackled with applause and cheers, as RM played a soulful saxophone melody while V beamed alongside him, presenting him with bouquets of flowers.
"Our deepest desire right now is to get back on stage," RM confessed, still clad in his military uniform, to reporters and the adoring crowd. "We've been working tirelessly on our new album to get back to our audience as swiftly as possible."
RM candidly shared his grueling military service experience, emphasizing the numerous testing and painful moments he faced during his 18-month stint. Despite the ordeal, he found solace in reconnecting with his father and old friends who had already completed their service.
V echoed his sentiments, stating, "My military service was a time for me to rejuvenate, both physically and mentally." Now that he's back, he expressed his eagerness to reunite with the band's official fanbase, affectionately known as the ARMY.
The wave of discharges is not over, as four more members will complete their service in the upcoming weeks. Two were released last year, and the final member, SUGA, will be discharged later this month.
Despite HYBE's plea for fans to refrain from gathering at discharge locations due to safety concerns, the enthusiasm of ardent supporters could not be dampened. Numerous fans converged outside V's military base, eager to welcome their idol back to civilian life.
"To be honest, I came here with sky-high expectations," admitted Yang Ho-hee, a 28-year-old fan, to AFP outside the base. Fans showered the 29-year-old superstar with colorful banners, expressing their unwavering love and anticipation.
"Taehyung, let's never be parted again," one banner read, referring to V's real name, Kim Tae-hyung.
A Possible Reunion Tour?
The football field where the newly released BTS members spoke became a gathering place for countless fans from around the globe, eager to catch a glimpse of their idols. "Honestly, it's a whirlwind of emotions," mused Arlene Mendoza, a fan from the Philippines, as she stood there, on the brink of tears. "I've been traveling to Korea numerous times, but this is the first time I'll be able to see V face-to-face."
In addition to the army releases, Friday marks the anniversary of the group's debut, known as FESTA, a celebration that usually draws thousands of fans from around the world to Seoul. Mendoza anticipates attending J-Hope's concert on Friday, as well as other BTS FESTA events.
While the group members have all signed new contracts with HYBE in 2023, the future collaboration of SUGA, who completed alternative non-active duty service, remains imminent, and analysts expect a surge of profitable reunion activities once he is released on June 21.
"It appears the current market consensus does not fully account for BTS's influence," stated Lim Soo-jin, an analyst at Daishin Securities, to AFP. HYBE's shares have been on the rise, growing by over 10% during the past week through June 9.
The Economic Impact of BTS's Return on South Korea
Before their mandatory military service, BTS generated considerable economic impact, accounting for roughly $4 to $5.5 billion annually for South Korea's economy, approximately 0.2% of the country's GDP[1][2][4]. This contribution underscores the group's phenomenal fame, their role in promoting South Korean culture, and their impact on tourism.
With BTS's return, economic activity is expected to experience a substantial boost, with increased consumer spending on music-related products and services, as well as a potential influx of international fans visiting South Korea. HYBE has hinted at a comeback for BTS this year, but the performers themselves have emphasized the need for time for reflection and preparation before they take the stage again.
Outside HYBE headquarters in Seoul, banners celebrating the upcoming BTS comeback declared, "Thank you for making this waiting period a joyous one." The building was emblazoned with the official logo for the upcoming BTS FESTA, reading, "We Are Back." HYBE shares opened approximately 3% higher Tuesday morning, marking a two-year high.
© 2025 AFP
[1] BTS's Record-Breaking Concert in Los Angeles[2] BTS Announces Upcoming World Tour, Extending 'Love Yourself' journey[4] Economic Impact of BTS on South Korea
The BTS members' return from military service rekindled the flame of South Korean culture, especially in the entertainment industry, as their comeback left fans enthralled and spending money on music-related products and services.
The anticipation of BTS's potential reunion tour and the upcoming FESTA celebration also promises to invigorate the tourism sector, further emphasizing the group's significant impact on South Korea's economy.
