BTS’s Jin Completes Military Service, Rejoins Bandmates
Wearing a uniform and black beret, Jin, the oldest member of K-pop sensation BTS, was discharged from South Korea’s army on Wednesday after completing his mandatory 18-month national service. This makes him the first of the group to conclude military duties, allowing the band to resume their musical journey.
The 31-year-old appeared visibly emotional as he embraced his colleagues at the military base in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province, as shown in television footage. Jin later shared his feelings in a live stream on the Weverse fandom platform, which garnered over 3 million views. “I cried during the ceremony,” he confessed, adding, “But it was so fun for the last year and six months. It’s such a relief I met so many good people.” Jin also expressed his gratitude to his fellow soldiers at the base.
Several BTS members, currently serving in the military, reportedly took leave to celebrate Jin’s discharge. Rapper RM notably greeted him with a saxophone performance of their hit single “Dynamite.”
Jin, who enlisted in December 2022, will be the first to reunite with the band, while the final four members began their service in December 2023. The group is expected to come together again in 2025 after all members have completed their duties. To mark his discharge, Jin will host a celebratory event in Seoul on Thursday at the Jamsil Sports Complex, where 1,000 selected fans will have the opportunity to hug the star and enjoy a performance.
BTS’s Global Impact
Since their debut in 2013, BTS has risen to global superstardom, achieving No. 1 singles in over 100 countries, amassing more than 74 million Instagram followers, and earning the title of Time magazine’s Entertainer of the Year in 2020. The group’s influence extends beyond music into fashion and social issues. In 2022, they visited the White House to discuss Asian representation and combat anti-Asian hate crimes, which surged during the pandemic.
BTS members are also celebrated fashion icons. In 2021, they became brand ambassadors for Louis Vuitton and wore complementary suits designed by the brand for the 64th Grammy Awards. Members Suga and Jimin have starred in campaigns for Valentino and Dior, respectively, with Dior’s artistic director Kim Jones designing custom stage outfits for their 2019 tour.
South Korea’s Military Service Law
South Korea mandates all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 to serve 18 to 21 months in the military or social service. However, a 2020 law revision allows globally recognized K-pop stars to delay enlistment until age 30. Jin, whose legal name is Kim Seok-jin, is the first BTS member to complete this service, stepping out of the military base to a final salute and a musical welcome from his bandmates.
“It’s been such a long time since I was last on camera,” Jin shared with fans, noting his swollen eyes from crying during the ceremony. To prevent overcrowding at Jin’s military base, BigHit Music, the band’s record label, urged fans to convey their warm regards and encouragement from afar.
