BTS Return from Military Service: What Fans Should Know About the K-pop Icons’ Comeback

As BTS return from military service, excitement builds worldwide for the iconic K-pop group’s next chapter. With all seven members completing South Korea’s mandatory military duty, fans—known globally as ARMY—are eager for what’s to come.

Suga, the final member to complete his service, will officially conclude his duty as a social service agent this Saturday. Unlike the others who served in the military, Suga was granted an alternative path due to a past shoulder injury. HYBE, BTS’ management company, has confirmed that no public events will be held for his discharge to avoid potential safety risks due to crowding.

Full BTS Return from Military Service Now Complete

All BTS members—Jin, RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—have now fulfilled their national service obligations. Jin and J-Hope were discharged earlier, while RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook completed theirs just this month.

With Suga now finishing his alternative service, the group’s reunion is expected to happen in the second half of 2025, igniting massive anticipation across the global music industry.

The Journey of BTS Before Military Service

Since their debut in June 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE), BTS has risen from underdog status to worldwide stardom. Their first single album, 2 Cool 4 Skool, kicked off a journey that gained momentum with Wings in 2016. However, it was 2017’s DNA that truly catapulted BTS into global recognition, entering the Billboard Hot 100 and making history as the first Korean boy band to do so.

By 2020, the BTS phenomenon reached new heights with Dynamite, their first all-English single, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—marking a first for a South Korean act.

Global Success and Cultural Impact of BTS

BTS didn’t just dominate music charts—they influenced culture on a massive scale. The group has been awarded multiple platinum certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for hits like:

Mic Drop (2018)
Map of the Soul: 7 (2020)
Love Yourself: Answer
Butter (2021)
Be and Idol

BTS return from military service also reminds the world of their social activism. The group’s Love Myself campaign with UNICEF, their $1 million donation to Black Lives Matter, and their visit to the White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes with President Joe Biden showcase how BTS continues to use their platform to uplift communities.

BTS and the Military Service Controversy

South Korea requires all able-bodied men to serve 18–21 months in the military. While athletes and classical performers can receive exemptions, pop artists like BTS typically do not. In 2020, the Military Service Act was revised, allowing BTS members to delay enlistment until age 30. Still, the group opted to fulfill their duty, ending years of national debate over whether they should be granted special exemption.

HYBE announced in October 2022 that all seven members would enlist. This decision not only silenced criticism but further cemented BTS’s reputation as cultural ambassadors who respect their national responsibilities.

Solo Success While Awaiting BTS Return from Military Service

BTS strategically staggered their enlistments, which allowed each member to explore solo careers.

Jin: Released EPs Happy (2024) and Echo (2025)
Suga (Agust D): Released D-Day in 2023
RM: Released Right Place, Wrong Person in 2024
J-Hope: Released Hope on the Street Vol. 1 and began his first solo tour
Jimin: Released Face (2023) and Muse (2024)
V: Debuted with Layover (2023)
Jung Kook: Released retro-pop debut album Golden (2023)

Each project showcased the members’ unique styles, strengthening their artistic credibility and expanding their fanbase.

Conclusion: BTS Return from Military Service Signals a New Era

With the BTS return from military service now official, the stage is set for one of the most highly anticipated reunions in music history. As ARMY prepares for their full-group comeback, the group’s legacy continues to grow—not just as global pop icons, but as cultural leaders who stand for music, unity, and social impact.