Jin, the oldest member of the beloved K-pop group BTS, recently completed his mandatory military service in South Korea, marking the first member of the band to do so. After 18 months of duty, Jin was discharged from the army, donning his uniform and a black beret while receiving emotional hugs from his colleagues at a military base in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province. The event was widely covered by South Korean media, with reports indicating that other BTS members currently serving in the military had applied for leave to celebrate Jin’s discharge. Rapper RM even greeted Jin with a saxophone performance of the group’s hit single ‘Dynamite’.
Jin was the first member of BTS to enlist in the military in December 2022, while the remaining four members started their service in December 2023. The group is expected to reunite in 2025 once all members have completed their military duty. Jin will kick off his post-army activities with an event in Seoul, where he will connect with fans and participate in an hour-long performance as part of the annual FESTA celebration dedicated to BTS. The group, which debuted in 2013, has become a global phenomenon, representing the face of K-pop and serving as one of South Korea’s most significant cultural exports.
Livestreams of Jin’s military discharge attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers on YouTube, showcasing the immense popularity and influence of BTS not only in South Korea but worldwide. The mandatory military service is a requirement for all able-bodied men in South Korea between the ages of 18 and 28, lasting between 18 to 21 months. However, in 2020, the law was revised to allow globally recognized K-pop stars like BTS members to delay their military enlistment until the age of 30, granting them more time to focus on their music careers before fulfilling their service obligations. This change in legislation has been particularly beneficial for K-pop groups like BTS, allowing them to continue making music and entertaining fans while also fulfilling their national duties.
Jin’s discharge from the military marks a significant milestone not only for the singer but also for BTS as a whole. Fans around the world have eagerly awaited this moment, showing their support and excitement through social media and online platforms. The group’s dedicated fanbase, known as the Army, has been instrumental in BTS’s success, contributing to their global popularity and record-breaking achievements in the music industry. With Jin’s return to the group, fans are eagerly anticipating the full reunion of BTS and the continuation of their groundbreaking music and performances.
As BTS continues to make waves in the music industry and beyond, Jin’s completion of his military service signifies a new chapter for the group and its members. The support and love shown by fans during this time highlight the strong bond between BTS and the Army, demonstrating the power of music to unite people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. With their unwavering dedication and talent, BTS has cemented their status as global icons, inspiring millions of fans around the world and solidifying their place in music history. The future looks bright for BTS and its members, and Jin’s discharge from the military serves as a reminder of the group’s resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to their craft.
