1,500 Fans Gather for BTS RM and V's Discharge... Park Chanwook Wine Meeting Draws Attention

"We Have Plans, So Please Wait a Little Longer"

An estimated 1,500 fans gathered around the HYBE building to celebrate BTS members RM and V's discharge from military service. HYBE

RM (real name Kim Namjoon) and V (Kim Taehyung) of BTS were both discharged from the military on June 10. RM completed his service with the Army 15th Division military band, while V served with the 2nd Corps Military Police Special Task Force, each fulfilling 18 months of duty. Both expressed their determination to return to the stage, saying, "We will work hard on our albums and come back to perform."

On the same day, during a live broadcast on the fan communication platform Weverse, RM said, "Last night, I stayed up talking with my juniors and went to bed around 2 a.m. I cried a lot. Thinking about my juniors made me emotional, and I felt a mix of different feelings."

V shared, "I cried when my juniors were discharged, but I didn't cry when it was my turn. I had some unique experiences during my time in the military."

According to their agency BigHit Music, an estimated 1,500 fans gathered near the HYBE building in Yongsan, Seoul, to celebrate their discharge. Many international fans from countries such as Japan, the United States, and China were also present. Some fans held banners and supportive messages, and some were seen in tears.

V said, "Even though I wasn't in the public eye for a year and a half, you waited for me and welcomed me with open arms. I'm grateful." RM added, "We have plans, so please wait a little longer. Our last performance was in October 2022, so it's been almost three years. This is the longest I've ever taken a break from creative activities, but now that I'm fully recharged, I'll make sure to show you a lot of fun things."

V and director Park Chanwook are talking while drinking wine. Photo by V Instagram

The day before his discharge, V posted a photo on social media of himself meeting director Park Chanwook over wine. In the photo, the two are seen sharing wine and having a serious conversation. Some fans speculated that this meeting might hint at V's potential future acting activities. V also posted a photo of himself working out at the gym with actor Song Kang, who is currently serving in the military.

BTS will have all its members complete their military service this month. Jin and J-Hope have already been discharged and resumed their activities, and on this day, RM and V were discharged. Jimin and Jungkook will complete their service on June 11, and Suga, who is serving as a social service worker, is scheduled to be released from duty on June 21.

With the end of their "military hiatus," there is growing domestic and international attention on what paths BTS members will take, both individually and together.