BTS Stars RM and V Discharged from Military as Global Fans Gather to Celebrate

RM and V, two members of the globally popular K-pop group BTS, have completed their mandatory military service in South Korea and were officially discharged on Tuesday in Chuncheon City.

Their release was met with celebration from around 200 fans, including international visitors from countries like Mexico, Turkey, and Brazil.

Among the fans was Reina Lorena Quintero Sevilla, who flew nearly 18 hours from Mexico City to witness the moment.

“I swear, it didn’t feel that long because we’re so excited to be here, to watch the boys get released, excited to be in South Korea, in the hometowns of our boys, who we love, who we adore,” she said.

RM and V enlisted in December 2023, joining Jin, J-Hope, and Suga, who were already several months into their military duties.

Discharge Timeline for BTS Members

Jin, the eldest member of BTS, completed his service in June 2024 and was the first to be discharged. J-Hope followed, finishing his service in October. Jimin and JungKook are expected to be discharged on Wednesday.

Suga is completing his conscription through alternative service as a social service agent and is scheduled to be released later this month.

All seven members of BTS are expected to reunite sometime in 2025, marking a highly anticipated return for fans who have waited through the group’s hiatus.

South Korea’s Conscription Law and BTS

In South Korea, military service is compulsory for all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28, requiring 18 to 21 months of service to help defend against threats from North Korea.

While the law allows special exemptions for athletes, classical musicians, and dancers who have earned top international prizes and contributed to national prestige, K-pop idols do not receive such exceptions.

However, BTS members were able to delay their enlistment following a revision to the Military Service Act, which allowed K-pop stars to postpone enlistment until age 30.

Amid public debate about whether BTS members should be exempted, their agency announced in 2022 that all seven would fulfill their duties, settling the issue and gaining public support for their decision.

Fans Eagerly Await Group Reunion

As BTS approaches full-group status again, anticipation is rising around the world. With Jin and J-Hope already back, and RM and V now joining them, the countdown to the reunion is rapidly shortening.

Jin, who was discharged on June 12, 2024, quickly reconnected with fans through fan meetings, music releases, and media appearances. His return was warmly received, bringing joy to ARMY worldwide.

J-Hope, discharged in October 2024, began hinting at new music and live performances, living up to his reputation for bringing hope and energy to fans.

RM and V Share Their Gratitude

As they saluted fans upon discharge, RM and V expressed heartfelt appreciation. “To all the ARMYs who have waited for us in the military, I want to say I am truly, truly grateful,” said V. “Please wait just a little longer and we will return with a really cool performance.”

The group began their military service hiatus in 2023. Since then, each member has been serving their term, with Suga performing alternative duty as a social worker and expected to finish later this month.

Hope for What’s Next

Even during their time apart, BTS members continued to release solo projects. Now, the focus shifts to their reunion and what lies ahead for the group.

In a recent interview, J-Hope told Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe, “I look forward to June when our members will have completed their service. We will quickly get together and talk about what BTS can do in the future. I think it’s going to be a massive energy.”

He echoed this excitement in a conversation with Weverse Magazine in December, saying, “When we’re all back together as a group, it’s going to have a huge impact, and everybody’s going to be watching. I’m excited to see what it’ll feel like when we perform together again. I want to come back in style and say, ‘This is us. This is BTS.’ I can’t speak for everyone, but I can tell you the other members feel the same way.”

Looking Ahead to 2025

As BTS moves closer to its full reunion, ARMY across the globe waits eagerly for their next performance. With nearly all members completing service and the group aiming to reunite in 2025, the excitement surrounding BTS’s return continues to grow.