Six Out of Seven Members Return to Civilian Life
Countdown Begins for BTS's Full Group Activities
Jimin and Jungkook of the group BTS, who completed their active duty service in the Army and were discharged upon completion of their term, are saluting the press and fans at Yeoncheon Public Stadium in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News
"Unity!"
Jimin (real name Park Jimin) and Jungkook (real name Jeon Jungkook) of the group BTS were both discharged on the 11th after completing 18 months of military service.
On the morning of the 11th, after officially reporting their discharge at the Artillery Brigade of the Army's 5th Division, their respective unit, the two held a discharge ceremony at Yeoncheon Public Stadium in Gyeonggi Province. They stated, "Now, we will prepare well to show you the vision we have been drawing."
Jimin and Jungkook enlisted together as active-duty soldiers in the Army in December 2023 and served side by side. Jungkook completed his service as a cook. At the discharge ceremony, fans from both Korea and abroad, including Brazil and China, gathered to celebrate their discharge. The two greeted everyone with salutes while holding bouquets of flowers.
Jungkook said, "I'm not even wearing makeup. It's been a while since I've been in front of a camera, so I feel a bit embarrassed. I don't really know what to say," and added, "I want to thank my seniors who were discharged before me, my juniors who served with me, and the officers. I received a lot of help from them." Jimin remarked, "It feels like I'm on vacation," and continued, "Thank you for coming from far away. From the COVID-19 period to the military, it's been quite a long time, so I appreciate you waiting for us."
Reflecting on their military life, they said, "It was our first time serving, and it was not an easy place. We bonded a lot while going through hardships together, eating together, and sleeping outside." Jungkook added, "A lot happened, but my fellow soldiers took good care of me."
Jimin concluded, "I will cherish these grateful memories in my heart. If I may say something to the people of Korea, the military is by no means an easy place. I would appreciate it if you could treat soldiers kindly when you meet them on the street."
Jimin and Jungkook of the group BTS, who completed their active duty service in the army and were discharged at the end of their term, are greeting fans and the press at Yeoncheon Public Stadium in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News
Following Jin in June last year and J-Hope in October, RM and V were discharged one after another the previous day. Suga, who is serving as a social service worker, is scheduled to complete his service on the 21st.
With all members set to return to civilian life within this month, anticipation for BTS's "full group" activities is rising. Industry insiders have suggested that, given the high level of interest from fans both in Korea and abroad, there is a possibility that new music in a flexible format could be released within this year.
BTS will hold their 12th debut anniversary event, "BTS Festa," on June 13-14 at Halls 1 and 2 of KINTEX Exhibition Center 1 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. On the same day, J-Hope will hold the finale concert of his solo world tour at the nearby Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium. There is also growing interest in whether the recently discharged members will participate in these events.
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