SEOUL, South Korea — It’s now confirmed that all seven members of the globally acclaimed K-pop band BTS have finished South Korea’s mandatory military service.
Suga, the last in line, completed his service on Wednesday. Due to a shoulder injury, he chose to serve as a social service agent instead of joining the military. This signifies the official return of all members from their national service duties. The other bandmates – RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin, and j-hope – completed their service in the army ranks.
Earlier in the month, four members, RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook, were released from their conscription duties. Jin, the oldest member, was discharged in June 2024, with j-hope following him in October. Fans are eagerly awaiting BTS’ anticipated reunion later this year.
Emergence of BTS
BTS, standing for Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Bulletproof Boy Scouts” in Korean, emerged into the music scene in June 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment, now HYBE. Comprising seven dynamic members – RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – they debuted with their single album “2 Cool 4 Skool.” After releasing multiple full-length albums, the band catapulted to fame with their 2016 album “Wings.” Their international breakthrough came in 2017 when their track “DNA” made it onto the Billboard Hot 100, marking them as the first Korean boy band to achieve the distinction. This achievement was soon followed by a performance at the American Music Awards, broadening their global fandom.
BTS is widely credited for taking K-pop to the global stage, breaking numerous records. In 2020, their single “Dynamite” made history by debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making them the first all-South Korean group to clinch the top spot. During their peak, BTS was not only the leading K-pop group but also the biggest boy band worldwide.
Worldwide Influence
The Recording Industry Association of America has certified BTS with multiple platinum titles. Among these are their successful tracks like “Mic Drop” from 2018, “Map of the Soul: 7,” “Love Yourself: Answer,” and “Idol” from 2020, as well as “Be” and the summer hit “Butter” from 2021. Their recognized collaborations include “My Universe” with Coldplay and “Boy With Luv” featuring Halsey. Moreover, BTS has achieved five Grammy nominations, being the first K-pop ensemble to receive a Grammy nod for “Dynamite” in the best pop duo/group performance.
As their acclaim surged globally, the group also championed various social justice issues. Their 2018 speech at the United Nations General Assembly was the launchpad for the “Love Myself” campaign, in collaboration with UNICEF. This initiative aimed to combat violence and promote self-esteem among youth. BTS continued their humanitarian efforts in 2020 by donating $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement, inspiring their fanbase, the ARMY, to match this donation in under 24 hours. In 2022, their dual influence in music and activism led to an invitation to the White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes with President Joe Biden.
Debate Around Military Service
In South Korea, men between the ages of 18 and 28 are obligated to serve 18-21 months of military service under a conscription law designed to shield against North Korean threats. The nation provides exemptions for athletes and traditional musicians with accolades that boost national pride, but such privileges aren’t extended to K-pop idols. In 2020, BTS was granted delayed conscription until age 30 after the revision of South Korea’s Military Service Act. Intense public debate in 2022 revolved around special exemptions for BTS, until their agency declared in October 2022 that all members would fulfill their obligations.
Solo Ventures
The staggered enlistment permitted BTS members to pursue solo projects while on a break. Jin released two EPs: “Happy” in 2024 and “Echo” in May of the same year. Suga’s solo venture came in 2023 with his debut album “D-Day,” released under his pseudonym Agust D. Also in 2024, RM presented his second solo album “Right Place, Wrong Person,” and j-hope launched the EP “Hope on the Street Vol. 1,” followed by his solo tour earlier this year. Similarly, Jimin produced “Face” in 2023 and “Muse” in 2024. V’s solo debut with the alt-R&B album “Layover” was in 2023, as was Jung Kook’s retro-pop debut “Golden.”