YEONCHEON, South Korea — Jimin and Jungkook, members of the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, were officially discharged from South Korea’s mandatory military service on Wednesday, marking a key step toward the group’s long-anticipated full reunion.
The duo, who enlisted together in December 2023, completed their 18-month service in the Republic of Korea Army’s 5th Infantry Division Artillery Brigade. They were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of fans and media at a public sports facility near their former base in Yeoncheon, approximately 60 kilometers north of Seoul.
Wearing military uniforms and saluting the crowd, both artists radiated joy as fans cheered and waved BTS banners. Jimin and Jungkook accepted flower bouquets from their agency officials before speaking briefly to the audience.
“It’s been quite a long time since COVID-19 and then the military, so thank you so much for waiting for us,” said Jimin, smiling warmly. “I think we can continue to draw the picture we've been envisioning, and we'll prepare and show you an even better side of ourselves.”
Reflecting on his service, Jimin added, “It was my first time in the military, and honestly, it wasn’t an easy place. If you see soldiers passing by, I’d be very grateful if you could even just say a warm word to them.”
Jungkook, appearing modest and slightly flustered, told the crowd, “It’s been a while since I’ve been in front of a camera, and I’m a bit embarrassed because I didn’t even put on makeup, so I don’t know what to say.” He also extended heartfelt thanks to his fellow soldiers.
Before departing in a black minivan, the two promised fans that they would share more about their experiences during an upcoming live broadcast on Weverse.
Jimin and Jungkook's return follows the military discharges of fellow BTS members Jin and J-Hope in June and October 2024, respectively, as well as RM and V, who were released just a day earlier. The final member, Suga, is expected to complete his alternative service as a social service agent on June 21.
With all seven members nearing the end of their military duties, BTS is expected to make a full-group comeback later this year — a moment millions of fans worldwide have been eagerly awaiting.
