What's happened
Jung Kook and Jimin of BTS were discharged from military service on June 11, 2025, reuniting with fans in Chuncheon City. They expressed gratitude for the support during their service and hinted at an upcoming group performance. The band plans to reunite later in 2025 after all members complete their military obligations.
What's behind the headline?
Overview
The discharge of Jung Kook and Jimin marks a significant moment for BTS and their fans, known as ARMY. With the return of these two members, anticipation builds for the group's reunion later this year.
Military Service Context
- Mandatory Service: All able-bodied South Korean men must serve in the military, impacting many K-pop idols.
- BTS's Unique Situation: The group postponed their service until age 30, allowing them to fulfill their duties together.
Fan Engagement
- Global Support: Fans traveled from various countries to witness the discharge, highlighting BTS's international appeal.
- Future Performances: Jung Kook and Jimin's comments about returning with an amazing performance suggest a strong comeback strategy, likely to capitalize on their renewed visibility.
Industry Impact
- K-Pop Landscape: The return of BTS members coincides with other major K-pop events, including Blackpink's upcoming tour, intensifying competition and fan engagement in the industry.
- Cultural Significance: BTS's journey through military service reflects broader societal norms in South Korea, where military duty is a rite of passage for men.
What the papers say
According to the New York Post, Jung Kook expressed his embarrassment at being back in front of cameras after a long absence, stating, "I don’t know what to say." The Independent reported that V thanked fans for their patience and teased the band's reunion, saying, "If you can just wait a little bit longer, we will return with a really amazing performance." The Guardian highlighted the emotional atmosphere during the discharge, with fans traveling long distances to support the members. This sentiment was echoed across multiple sources, emphasizing the strong bond between BTS and their global fanbase.
How we got here
BTS members RM and V were discharged on June 10, 2025, after fulfilling their military service. The group has been on hiatus since December 2023 due to mandatory conscription laws in South Korea, which require able-bodied men to serve 18-21 months.
Go deeper
- What are BTS's plans for their reunion?
- How did fans react to the members' discharge?
- What does military service mean for K-pop idols?
Common question
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What Does BTS's Completion of Military Service Mean for Their Future?
As BTS members Jimin and JungKook prepare to complete their military service on June 11, 2025, fans are buzzing with excitement about what this means for the group's future. With all members set to reunite, many are wondering how this will impact their upcoming projects and the K-pop landscape as a whole.
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What to Expect from Blackpink's New Music Video and BTS Reunion?
With the recent discharge of BTS members Jung Kook and Jimin from military service, fans are buzzing with excitement about their reunion and the anticipated new music video from Blackpink. As both groups prepare to make their comebacks, many questions arise about what fans can expect and how these events will shape the K-pop landscape.
More on these topics
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.
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BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a seven-member South Korean boy band who began formation in 2010 and debuted in 2013. The septet co-writes and produces much of their output.