The global K-pop sensation, BTS, is currently undergoing a period of hiatus as its members fulfill their mandatory military service in South Korea. As of October 2024, two members, Jin and J-Hope, have already completed their service, marking significant milestones for both the group and their devoted fanbase, ARMY. This article delves into the latest updates on BTS’s military service, providing a comprehensive overview for English-speaking fans and those curious about this significant chapter in the group’s journey.
On October 17, 2024, J-Hope was officially discharged from the South Korean army, eliciting joyous reactions from fans worldwide. He greeted reporters and well-wishers outside the army’s 36th Infantry Division in Wonju, Gangwon-do province, South Korea, in his military uniform, signaling the end of his active duty.
J-Hope of BTS poses for photographs after completing his military service at the 36th Infantry Division in Wonju, South Korea
Notably, J-Hope’s discharge was made even more special by the presence of Jin, the eldest BTS member who himself had completed military service earlier in the year. Jin was there to personally congratulate and welcome back his bandmate, holding a vibrant bouquet of flowers as he embraced J-Hope in a heartwarming reunion.
Jin was the first BTS member to enlist, beginning his service in December 2022 and completing it on June 11, 2024. ARMY’s anticipation for a full-group reunion grew stronger with Jin’s discharge. Upon his release, Jin was greeted by fellow BTS members J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jung Kook, and RM, who were present to celebrate his return. In a video captured by SBS News, Jin was seen bidding farewell to his military comrades before stepping out to a cheerful welcome from his bandmates, who even played the saxophone in celebration.
Later, Jin connected with fans through a live broadcast on Weverse, surrounded by celebratory balloons and treats. BTS’s official X account further amplified the excitement by posting a photo of all seven members together, reinforcing the message of their enduring bond.
Following Jin and J-Hope, Suga was the next member to enlist. In December 2023, the remaining four members – Jung Kook, V, Jimin, and RM – also began their military service, marking a temporary pause for the group as a whole.
BigHit Music, BTS’s agency, acknowledged this significant period in a message shared on Weverse on December 5, 2023. They expressed gratitude for fans’ unwavering support and requested continued encouragement for RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook throughout their service, while also assuring fans of the agency’s full support for the members during this time.
BTS members RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook together before starting their military service in December 2023
This period of military service follows BTS’s announcement in 2022 that they would be taking a hiatus to focus on individual projects, a decision that coincided with the start of the members’ enlistment process.
To understand why this global phenomenon is temporarily on hold, it’s essential to understand South Korea’s mandatory military service.
Understanding South Korea’s Military Service and BTS
South Korean law mandates that all able-bodied men between 18 and 28 years old must serve in the military for approximately 18 to 21 months. This national duty is a cornerstone of South Korean society, and initially, there were no exceptions, even for globally recognized K-pop artists like BTS.
However, BTS’s immense cultural and economic impact led to a revision of the Military Service Act in 2020. This amendment, as reported by the New York Times, allowed K-pop stars who have significantly contributed to the country’s cultural influence to defer their military service until the age of 30. This deferment allowed Jin, who was approaching 30 in December 2022, to postpone his service initially.
Despite this deferment, the Military Manpower Administration clarified that BTS members would ultimately undergo the same military service process as any other South Korean male citizen, as reported by AP.
BTS members at the 64th Grammy Awards in Las Vegas in April 2022, prior to their hiatus and military enlistments
BTS Hiatus and Future Reunion
While the members are serving their country, it’s crucial to clarify that BTS has not disbanded. Prior to their enlistments, in June 2022, BTS announced a temporary hiatus to allow members to pursue solo endeavors and personal growth. This decision, revealed during their FESTA dinner celebrating their anniversary, was explained by RM as a necessary step for individual development, which would ultimately strengthen the group in the long run.
J-Hope echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the hiatus as a “healthy plan” for BTS to “become stronger.” This break is viewed as a period of individual exploration and maturation, setting the stage for a powerful reunion.
The anticipated return of BTS as a full group is set for 2025, following the completion of all members’ military service. This timeline provides ARMY with a clear point to look forward to, fueling excitement for the group’s future activities.
BTS Military Enlistment Timeline: Member by Member
To provide a clear picture of each member’s military service journey, here’s a breakdown of their enlistment and discharge dates:
- Jin: Enlisted in December 2022, discharged on June 11, 2024. As the eldest member, Jin was the first to enlist, setting the precedent for the group. On his 31st birthday during his service, he shared a heartfelt message with fans on Weverse, expressing his anticipation for reuniting with both BTS members and ARMY after his service. He also humorously mentioned his early promotion to Sergeant, showcasing his positive military experience.
Jin waving to fans during a live broadcast after his military discharge in June 2024
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J-Hope: Enlisted on April 18, 2023, discharged on October 17, 2024. J-Hope was the second member to enlist. The day before his enlistment, all seven BTS members gathered to bid him farewell, highlighting their close bond and support for each other.
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Suga: Enlisted on September 22, 2023. Suga enlisted after releasing his solo album “D-Day” under the name Agust D and completing his solo tour. He assured fans on Weverse of his commitment to service and promised to return in 2025 to reunite with them.
Suga attending a basketball game in Los Angeles in January 2023, before his military enlistment
- V and RM: Enlisted on December 11, 2023. V and RM enlisted on the same day, undergoing five weeks of initial combat training together. V shared his sentiments on Instagram and Weverse, expressing how much he would miss ARMY and promising to return with many prepared surprises after his 18 months of service. RM, in a thoughtful Weverse post, reflected on his 10 years with BTS and expressed optimism for this new chapter, viewing it as a period of inspiration and learning.
RM at a public event in Seoul in November 2023, shortly before his military service began
- Jung Kook and Jimin: Enlisted on December 12, 2023. Jung Kook and Jimin, the final members to enlist, began their service together the day after V and RM. Jung Kook connected with fans via a Weverse live broadcast to say goodbye, expressing his feelings of unease but also his determination to serve well and return safely. Jimin also communicated with fans on Weverse, sharing that enlisting with Jung Kook provided reassurance.
Jung Kook performing on TODAY show, prior to his military enlistment announcement
Jimin attending an event in New York City in April 2023, before starting his military service
Looking Ahead to BTS’s Reunion
With Jin and J-Hope already discharged and the remaining members diligently serving, the anticipation for BTS’s full reunion in 2025 is steadily building. This period of military service, while a temporary separation, is seen as a crucial phase for both individual growth and the group’s future. ARMY around the world eagerly awaits the day when all seven members will once again come together, ready to embark on the next chapter of their extraordinary journey.
