Two popular members of the global K-pop group BTS, RM and V, have been released from South Korea’s military service.
The news has brought joy to millions of fans around the world who have been waiting for their return.
The duo completed their 18-month service on Tuesday and were welcomed by crowds near their army bases just outside Seoul. Fans cheered and waved banners as the two stars appeared. RM, dressed in his army uniform, played a quick tune on a saxophone while V smiled beside him, holding flowers.
“What we want most right now is to perform again,” RM told fans and reporters after his release. “We’re working hard on the new album so we can return to the stage as soon as possible.”
He also shared how difficult the military service had been. “There were many painful moments,” he said. “But I’ve grown closer with my father and old friends since returning.”
V, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, said, “Military service was a time for me to reset and rebuild my body and mind. Now, I truly want to run straight to ARMY,” he said, referring to BTS’s fan base.
Despite warnings from their music agency, HYBE, asking fans to stay away from the discharge locations for safety reasons, many fans showed up. Some travelled from abroad just to see them.
“I feel like I’m already crying,” said Arlene Mendoza, a BTS fan from the Philippines. “This is the first time I’m seeing V in person.”
One banner at the scene read, “Taehyung, let’s never be apart again.”
RM was recently named “Favorite K-pop Artist” at the American Music Awards, and the group remains one of South Korea’s biggest cultural exports.
HYBE has confirmed that all BTS members signed new contracts in 2023. Four members, including RM and V, are finishing their service this week. Two others were discharged last year, while the last member, SUGA, will complete his service on June 21.
There is growing hope that a full group comeback is near. Analysts believe HYBE’s recent rise in stock prices — up 10% in the last week — is partly due to the excitement over BTS’s return.
Lee Jae-sang, CEO of HYBE, had earlier said during a shareholder meeting, “Since BTS have already become global top-tier artists, we are continuing discussions about their vision and what’s next.”
HYBE’s headquarters in Seoul is already decorated with banners that say “WE ARE BACK,” the official slogan for BTS’s 2025 FESTA celebration. The yearly event, held to mark the group’s debut anniversary, is happening this Friday and is expected to attract fans from around the world.
One fan message outside HYBE read, “Thank you for making even the waiting feel joyful.”
Before their military service, BTS contributed over 5.5 trillion won (about $4 billion) each year to South Korea’s economy, which is nearly 0.2% of the country’s entire GDP.
With RM and V now back, and the rest of the members soon to follow, the stage is set for BTS to return — stronger and more united than ever.
