K-pop star Jin of the boy band BTS has completed his mandatory military service in South Korea. The emotional reunion with his bandmates following his discharge was livestreamed, with Jin being greeted with flowers and RM playing part of the group’s hit single “Dynamite” on a saxophone. This marks a milestone for BTS, as Jin is the first member to complete his service, with the rest still in the military and not expected to resume their music careers until at least another year.
The seven-member supergroup, which debuted in 2013, has become a global phenomenon, spearheading the rise of K-pop in the United States. Despite their success, South Korea’s mandatory military service requirement interrupted their momentum. Exceptionally skilled athletes and artists are sometimes exempt from service, but BTS members were not exempted. Instead, they were allowed to delay enlistment until the age of 30, with Jin being the first to enlist in December 2022.
J-Hope followed in April 2023, while Suga began alternative military service in September due to shoulder surgery. The remaining four members (RM, Jimin, Jungkook, and V) began their service in December and are expected to be discharged in June 2025, at which point the band can fully reunite. BTS’s management agency, BigHit Music, had urged fans not to visit the army base on the day of Jin’s release to avoid overcrowding. Jin is expected to attend a fan event in Seoul and was welcomed back by his bandmates with a photo posted on social media.
Despite the challenges of mandatory military service, BTS has remained a dominant force in the music industry, with a dedicated fan base around the world. The group’s influence extends beyond music, as they are viewed as valuable cultural ambassadors for South Korea. The delay in their military service allowed them to continue their careers and maintain their global success. As each member completes their service, fans eagerly anticipate the full reformation of the group and the continuation of their musical journey.
Jin’s completion of his military service represents a significant milestone for BTS and their fans. The emotional reunion with his bandmates and the livestreamed event highlighted the bond between the members and the dedication they have to their music and their fans. With the remaining members still serving in the military, the anticipation for their return and the full reformation of BTS continues to grow. Despite the challenges they have faced, BTS remains a powerhouse in the music industry and a symbol of South Korean culture on the global stage.
