Two more BTS megastars, Jungkook and Jimin, released from South Korean military service

YEONCHEON, South Korea – Two more BTS members were released from South Korean military service on June 11, bringing the K-pop boy band closer to a reunion as they promised fans a “better version” of themselves soon.

The septet, South Korea’s most lucrative musical act, have been on a self-described hiatus since 2022 while their members separately completed their military service, which is mandatory in the country for men aged under 30.

More than a thousand fans gathered at the site of a press conference near the two army bases where singers Jimin – whose solo single Who (2024) holds the record for longest-running K-pop song on the Billboard Hot 100 – and Jungkook were discharged.

With so many people assembled to greet the music stars, the networks were overloaded and some broadcasters experienced satellite disruptions.

When the members started to speak, their voices were often drowned out by the deafening cheers and joyful screams from the crowd.

“Thank you so much for waiting for us all this time,” Jungkook, 27, said. “Now that we’ve been discharged, I believe it’s time for us to keep drawing the picture we’ve always envisioned. We’ll make sure to prepare well and show you an even better version of ourselves.”

Jimin said the military “wasn’t an easy place”.

“Still, I carry with me many meaningful memories, and I’ll hold on to them for a long time,” said the 29-year-old.

“After experiencing military life, I can say it truly isn’t easy... If you happen to pass by a soldier, even a small word of kindness would mean the world to them.”

Streets in the area were decorated with colourful lamp posts and banners.

One read, “Jungkook’s voice, back to the world”, while another read, “Jimin! Now that you’re discharged, how about a world tour?”

Giant banners floated in the sky alongside balloons, with one reading: “We missed you, Jungkook!”

With the discharge of Jungkook and Jimin, six of the group’s members have now completed their military service.

Final member Suga, 32 – who has been working as a social service agent for alternative non-active-duty service – is due out on June 21.

Delighted fans from around the world had gathered as early as 3am, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols.

“I think I’m gonna cry,” Ms Anaisa Silva, 30, a hotel receptionist from Portugal, said.

“I am an Army of nine years and this is the first time I’m seeing them,” she said, referring to BTS’ fandom by its official name.

Ms Rosie Tanquilut, a 64-year-old fan from the Philippines, said she had been “counting the days since they entered military”.

All the band members signed new contracts with their agency Hybe in 2023, and once Suga is released, analysts expect profit-driving reunion activities.

The members’ discharge is “extremely positive news” for the K-pop industry, Mr Yoo Sung-man, an analyst at Leading Investment & Securities, said.

“Given the long military hiatus for the full group, this upcoming comeback is expected to have a massive global impact across all fronts – music streaming, album sales and concerts,” he added. AFP