Cue the purple hearts and celebration playlists — BTS members RM and V have officially completed their mandatory military service in South Korea and were discharged early Tuesday to the cheers of devoted fans.
The two global K-pop icons stepped out in Chuncheon City, saluting proudly as they marked the end of their 18-month commitment. Awaiting them? A crowd of about 200 fans from around the world who braved long flights and jet lag just to witness this emotional milestone.
“I swear, it didn’t feel that long because we’re so excited to be here,” said Reina Lorena Quintero Sevilla, who flew in from Mexico City to celebrate the moment. “We’re in South Korea, the hometown of our boys. We love them, we adore them — it’s everything.”
RM (real name Kim Namjoon) and V (born Kim Taehyung) began their service in December 2023, following fellow BTS members Jin, J-Hope, and Suga, who had already enlisted earlier. Jin was the first to finish his service in June 2024, followed by J-Hope in October.
The celebration doesn’t stop here — Jimin and Jungkook are expected to be discharged this Wednesday, and Suga, who is serving as a social service worker, will complete his duties later this month.
Fans carried signs, banners, and even life-sized photos of the idols as they gathered outside the base. From Brazil to Turkey, Indonesia to the United States, ARMYs made it a global event.
South Korea mandates all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve in the military for 18 to 21 months, part of national efforts to maintain defense readiness against North Korea. While some elite athletes and classical artists are eligible for exemptions, no such privilege was extended to BTS — though a law revision did allow them to postpone enlistment until the age of 30.
The debate over exemptions for K-pop stars sparked nationwide discussion, but in 2022, BTS' agency, HYBE, made a clear statement: all seven members would serve. And now, that promise is nearly fulfilled.
The best part? The group is expected to reunite sometime in 2025. With their military service behind them, the countdown to a full comeback has officially begun — and ARMYs everywhere are ready. Let the comeback era begin.
Source: The Guardian
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