Last weekend, amidst the joyous occasion of celebrating their 12th anniversary, all members of BTS finally reunited following the completion of their mandatory military service. To mark their debut anniversary, an annual extravaganza known as "Festa" unfolded over two weeks, captivating the hearts of 60,000 visitors through a blend of in-person and virtual festivities, according to an official statement.
On June 13 and 14, the INTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang, South Korea, was abuzz with excitement as fans of the group, collectively known as ARMY, descended upon the venue, which boasted a grandeur unparalleled to previous years' events. The 2025 edition of BTS Festa showcased approximately 20 vibrant booths, offering a plethora of DIY activities, enchanting photo spots, and much more. Additionally, picturesque photo zones were meticulously set up along Goyang’s serene Ilsan Lake Park, adding a picturesque backdrop to the celebrations.
The festive atmosphere was further amplified by the conclusion of member J-Hope’s solo world tour, "Hope on the Stage," which culminated in a thrilling two-night encore concert. On June 13, the opening night of the series, all seven BTS members graced the occasion, uniting in camaraderie. Jin and Jung Kook joined J-Hope on stage, mesmerizing the audience with their solo tracks — "Don’t Say You Love Me" and "Seven (feat. Latto)," respectively — along with BTS hits such as "Jamais Vu," featuring J-Hope.
This concert and anniversary marked the culmination of a whirlwind week for the group, as members RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook were officially discharged from their mandatory military service earlier in the week, reuniting with J-Hope and Jin, who had already completed their service. Meanwhile, Suga continues to serve his mandatory military duty as social work personnel. While he was able to join his group members in celebration, his official discharge is still awaited. BigHit Music, BTS’ label under the Korean entertainment giant Hybe, announced on Wednesday that Suga is nearing the end of his service and will soon be discharged.
BTS' loyal fans, ARMY, have eagerly anticipated their return, though each member has found individual success with their solo endeavors released throughout the two-year enlistment period. In October 2022, BTS captivated audiences with a monumental free concert titled "Yet to Come" in Busan, South Korea. This concert, held in support of the Korean city’s bid for the 2030 World Expo, attracted ARMY members from across the globe. Shortly after the concert, BigHit Music announced that all seven members would proceed with their military service plans, stating that it was "the perfect time" and that the group’s members were honored to serve their country.
