Two members of the K-pop juggernaut BTS, RM and V, have successfully concluded their mandatory military service, igniting a whirlwind of excitement and eager anticipation among their devoted fans for their impending return. Upon their discharge on Tuesday, they saluted their adoring fans and serenaded them with a saxophone performance, with V tenderly urging them to "hold on just a little longer" until BTS is fully reunited.
With all seven members poised to complete their military commitments by the month's end, their agency, Hybe, has subtly hinted at an imminent reunion. The group hit the pause button on their unprecedented global success in 2022.
On Tuesday, a sea of purple-clad fans, some of whom had traveled from across the globe, flocked to Hybe's headquarters in central Seoul to celebrate the return of RM and V. They waved large banners and photographs of their beloved K-pop idols, purple being BTS's signature color.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are mandated to serve a two-year stint in the military, ensuring the country's readiness against its northern neighbor. On this momentous day, Hybe adorned its building with a banner proclaiming "We are back," accompanied by the official logos of BTS and ARMY – an acronym for the band's fervent fanbase, which stands for Adorable Representative MC for Youth.
"This is surreal. Being here in Seoul, where BTS honed their skills and began their journey in singing and dancing, is breathtaking," exclaimed Janya, who jetted in from the UK, sharing her thoughts with The Korea Herald. "RM and V, you are colossal inspirations, and I adore you endlessly!" she added, her voice brimming with affection.
"It's felt like an eternity without you. I'm overjoyed you're back and free to pursue your passions," said Ivory, hailing from Australia.
Hannah Chung, a London resident, revealed to AFP that she had meticulously planned her trip two years ago, "knowing the members would be discharged by then." She eagerly anticipates catching a glimpse of the band at their annual BTS Festa, a joyous celebration marking their debut, set to take place on Friday.
Earlier, during their discharge ceremony in Chuncheon, RM expressed heartfelt gratitude to fans for patiently awaiting their return from national duty. "I'm all set to sprint back into action as RM of BTS. Thank you to everyone who waited patiently and supported us," he said.
V shared that his military service was a time for "physical and mental rejuvenation." "I long to reunite with ARMY as soon as possible. Thank you for enduring our absence during our military service," he added.
Debuting in 2013, BTS didn't capture the world's attention until their highly acclaimed US tour in 2017, catapulting their fusion of pop, hip-hop, and R&B – predominantly in Korean – onto the global stage. Since then, they've become Spotify's most-streamed group, the first K-pop act to top the US iTunes chart and several Billboard charts, and one of the most decorated groups in history.
Named after Bangtan Boys, or "Bulletproof Boy Scouts" in Korean, BTS has been a vocal advocate for youth issues, including a mental health initiative with UNICEF. They've addressed the United Nations General Assembly and met with former US President Joe Biden to discuss the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes.
Initially granted a deferral in 2020, when South Korea's parliament passed a bill allowing them to postpone their service until age 30, the oldest member, Jin, enlisted in 2022, with the others following suit.
