The moment millions of fans worldwide have eagerly awaited is here: All seven members of the global K-pop phenomenon, BTS, have officially completed their mandatory military service in South Korea.
This landmark event paves the way for the highly anticipated return of the full group, expected to reunite later in 2024. After a period focusing on individual endeavors, the completion of national duties marks a significant turning point for RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook.
South Korea’s Military Service: The Context Behind the Hiatus
Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required to perform 18 to 21 months of military service, a measure primarily intended to deter aggression from rival North Korea. While special exemptions exist for certain individuals recognized for enhancing national prestige, such as top athletes or classical musicians, K-pop stars and entertainers were not initially included in these categories.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2020 when South Korea’s National Assembly revised its Military Service Act, allowing notable K-pop artists to delay their enlistment until age 30. BTS utilized this revision, postponing their service. The potential for special exemptions for the group sparked heated public debate in 2022 before their management agency confirmed that all members would fulfill their obligations.
BTS strategically tiered their enlistments, a plan that allowed members to pursue solo projects while the group was on hiatus.
Jin, the eldest member, was the first to enlist and was discharged in June 2024.
J-hope followed, completing his service in October 2024.
Four members – RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook – completed their service earlier in October 2024.
Suga was the final member to be discharged [mention specific date if crucial, otherwise keep general as “recently”], concluding his duties as a social service agent, a role he reportedly undertook due to a shoulder injury.
From Seoul to Global Superstars: BTS’s Journey
Since their debut in June 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE), BTS, short for Bangtan Sonyeondan (“Bulletproof Boy Scouts”), rose steadily through the ranks of the competitive K-pop industry. Starting with a hip-hop focus on releases like “2 Cool 4 Skool,” they gained significant momentum with their 2016 album “Wings.”
Their true global breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the hit single “DNA,” which landed on the Billboard Hot 100, making them the first Korean boy band to achieve this milestone. This success propelled them onto international stages, including a landmark performance at the American Music Awards, rapidly expanding their fanbase, known affectionately as ARMY. BTS is widely credited with pioneering K-pop’s massive expansion onto the international stage.
Record-Breaking Success & Critical Acclaim
BTS didn’t just enter the global market; they dominated it, consistently breaking boundaries and setting new records. In 2020, their first all-English single, “Dynamite,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, a historic first for an all-South Korean musical act. At the height of their group activity, they were not only the biggest K-pop group but arguably the biggest boy band on the planet.
Their immense popularity is reflected in numerous accolades and sales milestones. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has certified multiple BTS hits platinum, including “Mic Drop,” “Map of the Soul: 7,” “Love Yourself: Answer,” “Idol,” “Be,” “Butter,” and major collaborations like “My Universe” with Coldplay and “Boy With Luv” featuring Halsey.
BTS has also made significant inroads into Western awards circuits, earning five Grammy Award nominations. Their first nod, for “Dynamite” in the best pop duo/group performance category, marked the first time a K-pop act received a Grammy nomination.
More Than Music: BTS’s Influence and Activism
Beyond their musical achievements, BTS has leveraged their global platform to become powerful advocates for social justice and humanitarian causes. Their 2018 address at the United Nations General Assembly launched the “Love Myself” campaign in partnership with UNICEF, aimed at combating violence, abuse, and bullying while promoting self-esteem among young people worldwide.
In 2020, they demonstrated solidarity by donating $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement, publicly denouncing racial discrimination and violence. In a powerful display of collective influence, their dedicated fanbase, ARMY, famously matched this donation within 24 hours. Their advocacy culminated in a high-profile 2022 invitation to the White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes with President Joe Biden.
Individual Triumphs: Solo Careers During the Hiatus
The period of tiered enlistments wasn’t a break from music entirely, but a chance for members to explore individual artistry and release solo projects, showcasing their diverse styles and talents.
Jin released EPs like “Happy” and “Echo.”
Suga, under his moniker Agust D, debuted his solo album “D-Day” in 2023.
RM offered his elastic, experimental second solo album, “Right Place, Wrong Person” in 2024.
J-hope released his EP “Hope on the Street Vol. 1” and embarked on his first solo tour in 2024.
Jimin shared projects including “Face” (2023) and “Muse” (2024).
V debuted with the smooth alt-R&B album “Layover” in 2023.
- Jung Kook launched his solo career with the retro-pop debut album “Golden” in 2023.
- www.tmj4.com
What’s Next? The Road to Reunion
With all members having fulfilled their national duty, the focus now shifts to the future of BTS as a group. While specific plans and timelines are keenly awaited from HYBE, the expectation is incredibly high for the seven members to reunite later in 2024. Fans worldwide are ready to welcome back the full force of the K-pop legends.
