On June 11, 2025, BTS members Jimin and Jungkook officially completed their mandatory military service in South Korea, edging the global K-pop sensation closer to a much-awaited reunion.
Despite network outages and satellite disruptions, over a thousand enthusiastic fans greeted the duo as they left an army base near Seoul. Jimin and Jungkook promised fans a “better version” of BTS.
Jimin, celebrated for his record-breaking solo single “Who,” and Jungkook each expressed heartfelt appreciation to their supporters. Jungkook thanked fans for their patience, saying, “Thank you for waiting for us. We’ll show you an even better version of ourselves.” Reflecting on his military experience, Jimin encouraged kindness toward soldiers, emphasising, “A small word of kindness means the world to them.”
The emotional scene featured banners such as “Jungkook’s voice, back to the world” and “Jimin, how about a world tour?” highlighting BTS’s immense global influence.
K-pop group BTS' members Jimin and Jungkook were discharged from the South Korean military, the fifth and sixth to complete the country's mandatory service amid expectations of the band's comeback from a hiatus https://t.co/Tuq1cUaRcF pic.twitter.com/HNMV8qiipb
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 11, 2025BTS’s Military Hiatus and Its Impact
Since 2022, BTS has been on hiatus as members fulfilled South Korea’s mandatory military service requirement for men under 30. With Jimin and Jungkook’s discharge, six members—Jin, J-Hope, RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook are now free. As a social service agent, SUGA will complete his term on June 21, 2025.
The Korea Culture and Tourism Institute estimates that BTS’s absence resulted in a $4 billion annual loss for South Korea’s economy, equivalent to 0.2% of GDP.
BTS fans, known as ARMY, gathered as early as 3:00 a.m. to celebrate the duo’s return. International supporters like Anaisa Silva from Portugal and Rosie Tanquilut from the Philippines expressed overwhelming joy. “I think I’m gonna cry,” Silva told AFP. During a live Weverse chat, Jimin and Jungkook, still in camouflage, shared their nervousness about returning to the spotlight, endearing themselves to fans with their honesty.
HYBE, BTS’s agency, has hinted at a 2025 comeback, with all members renewing their contracts in 2023. Analyst Yoo Sung-man told AFP that the group’s reunion will act as a “mega catalyst” for K-pop, likely driving a surge in streaming, album sales, and concert demand.
As BTS approaches its 12th debut anniversary on June 13, 2025, Seoul’s streets now feature billboards and buses proclaiming “WE ARE BACK,” heralding a monumental return.
