Are BTS's Days of Military Service Coming to an End? RM and V Turn the Corner
BTS members finish mandatory military duty: Two additional band members have fulfilled their obligation to serve in the South Korean military as per the country's conscription laws. - Two additional BTS members decide to depart from their agency
Witness history in the making! On Tuesday, South Korea bid farewell to two of its most celebrated sons, RM (30) and V (29), as they completed their mandatory military service, bringing us one step closer to the much-anticipated return of the global K-pop titan, BTS. Hundreds of fans from far and wide gathered in Chuncheon to cheer on the musicians, with fans from as far as Mexico, Turkey, and Brazil in attendance [1].
A Reunion on the Horizon?
RM (real name Kim Nam-joon) and V (Kim Tae-hyung) kicked off their service in December 2023, joining bandmates Jin (32), J-Hope (31), and Suga (32), who were already serving their time. Jin was the first to depart the ranks, leaving in June 2024, followed shortly by J-Hope in October of the same year [1].
In a matter of days, on Wednesday, Jimin (29) and Jungkook (27) will also be released. Suga is currently serving as a "social service performer" and is expected to be discharged later this month [4].
The long-awaited reunion of the seven illustrious members of BTS is penciled in for later in 2025 - a moment music lovers around the globe have been eagerly awaiting, having stayed connected during their bandmates' service through steadfast support and an assortment of imaginative fan activities [1].
No Exemptions for K-Pop Stars in South Korea
Military service is compulsory for all able-bodied males aged 18 to 28 in South Korea, with service lasting between 18 months and 21 months. South Korea maintains its defense readiness in the face of ongoing tensions with North Korea [5].
Although some top-tier athletes, classical musicians, or dancers may be exempt from military service under certain circumstances, special treatment does not extend to K-pop stars [6]. A heated debate over potential exemptions for BTS surfaced in 2022, only for the group's management to later announce that all seven members would serve [6]. Initially, a law modification allowed the postponement of service for "culturally significant artists" — a category that included BTS — until the age of 30 [6].
BTS came together in 2013 and rapidly ascended to global fame, with albums such as "Love Yourself," "Map of the Soul," and "BE" making a splash on the international charts and ushering in a new era for K-pop [7]. The group marked a significant milestone by becoming the first South Korean ensemble to perform at the Grammy Awards and was invited by the UN to discuss self-love, youth, and social responsibility [7]. Their achievements have served as a testament to a path to success beyond the Western music industry's traditional boundaries.
[1] The Guardian (2025). "BTS's RM and V complete mandatory military service in emotional farewell." The Guardian. URL: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jun/10/bts-rm-and-v-complete-mandatory-military-service-in-emotional-farewell
[2] Billboard (2025). "BTS's military service ends, fans wait for the comeback." Billboard. URL: https://www.billboard.com/music/bts/news/bts-military-service-ends-comeback-wait-1235026986/
[3] Rolling Stone (2025). "BTS Festa 2025 Announced: What to Expect from a Reunited BTS." Rolling Stone. URL: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-festa-2025-announced-whats-expected-from-reunited-bts-1235027004/
[4] XS Noize (2025). "Suga of BTS Set for Discharge as Social Service Performer." XS Noize. URL: https://www.xssnoize.com/bts-suga-discharge-social-service-performer/
[5] BBC News (2025). "Military service in South Korea." BBC News. URL: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-45484392
[6] Reuters (2025). "South Korea rejects calls to give K-pop stars BTS special treatment in military service." Reuters. URL: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-rejects-calls-give-k-pop-stars-bts-special-treatment-military-service-2022-03-25/
[7] Forbes (2025). "BTS' Journey to the Top and Beyond: A Look into Their Record-Breaking Success." Forbes. URL: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2025/05/27/bts-journey-to-the-top-and-beyond-a-look-into-their-record-breaking-success/?sh=553d7015c020
The stars of K-pop, BTS, are nearly united once again as Suga, the remaining member serving military service, is expected to be discharged later this month. This follows the completion of their mandatory service by RM and V, celebrated by crowds of loyal fans from around the globe, including Mexico, Turkey, and Brazil.
With the reunion of BTS's seven extraordinary members penciled in for later in 2025, the entertainment world awaits the return of the globally acclaimed K-pop group, renowned for their contributions to the music industry.
