The K-pop group BTS is one step closer to a reunion as the first member, Jin, has been discharged from his military service in South Korea. Jin, whose birth name is Kim Seok-jin, completed his 18-month stint in the military as part of the mandatory service required of nearly all South Korean men. The other members of BTS are expected to complete their service over the next year or so, shocking their fervent fanbase, known as the Army, when they announced their hiatus in June 2022.
There was public debate over whether BTS should receive an exemption from the military draft, as some other categories of individuals do, but ultimately the group was allowed to postpone their enlistment for two years due to their contribution to the nation’s reputation and economy through their global success. BTS’s music has even been used as a military asset, with South Korea playing K-pop music into North Korea in retaliation for trash balloons sent by Pyongyang. Despite pleas from the band’s label, fans eagerly anticipated Jin’s discharge, with the singer himself posting a countdown on social media before the day arrived.
Conscription in South Korea has been getting shorter over the years, with the minimum enlistment period reduced to 18 months in 2021. The length of service varies depending on the branch of the military, with soldiers serving 18 months, marines 20 months, navy 20 months, and air force 21 months. All members of BTS, except for Suga who is performing alternative service in social work, have enlisted in the army. Despite their enlistment, the band members have remained commercially active, releasing music and music videos that were produced before their enlistment, keeping their fans engaged.
The remaining members of BTS, RM, V, Jung Kook, and Jimin, started their military service in December, with the group’s label stating that they plan to reunite around 2025. Fans will likely have to wait until at least mid-2025 to see all seven members performing together onstage. Despite the wait, fans were ecstatic over Jin’s discharge, expressing their emotions online. Jin is scheduled to make a public appearance in Seoul, promising to give hugs to 1,000 fans, further exciting their dedicated fanbase. The band members have also continued their individual music pursuits, with RM releasing an album and Jung Kook releasing a new single recently.
Overall, the discharge of Jin from his military service marks a significant step towards a BTS reunion, with the remaining members expected to complete their service over the next year or so. Despite their hiatus, BTS has remained active in the music industry, releasing new music and music videos while their individual members fulfill their military duties. Fans eagerly anticipate the reunion of all seven members onstage, with Jin’s discharge bringing excitement and emotions to the dedicated fanbase.
