As South Korea enforces mandatory military service for all able-bodied men, fans of BTS the world-renowned K-pop group have closely followed updates about each member’s enlistment. Given the group’s global fame, their military service dates have generated immense public interest both domestically and internationally. Understanding when each BTS member enlisted and is expected to complete their service provides insight into the group’s hiatus plans, solo activities, and anticipated full-group comeback. Here’s a detailed look at the BTS military service timeline and what it means for their future.
Mandatory Military Service in South Korea
South Korean law requires all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve in the military for about 18 to 21 months. While entertainers are not exempt, special revisions allowed high-profile cultural figures like BTS to delay enlistment until the age of 30. This extension gave the group time to complete several major projects before beginning their service.
The issue of military service for BTS had been widely debated in Korean media and government. Despite public support for an exemption due to their international achievements, all BTS members eventually decided to fulfill their duties without requesting any special privileges. Their voluntary decision was widely respected and further solidified their image as role models in South Korea.
BTS Military Enlistment Timeline
Jin First to Enlist
Kim Seokjin, known as Jin, was the first BTS member to begin his military service. He enlisted on December 13, 2022, just days after his 30th birthday. Jin entered a front-line boot camp in Yeoncheon County, near the North Korean border. After completing basic training, he was assigned to an active-duty unit. He is expected to be discharged around June 2024.
J-Hope Second Member to Serve
Jung Hoseok, known as J-Hope, became the second member to enlist. He began his service on April 18, 2023. Before his enlistment, he released a solo album and performed at international events such as Lollapalooza. His enlistment also followed basic training, and he has taken part in active service duties. His expected discharge date is around October 2024.
SUGA Serving as a Social Worker
Min Yoongi, known professionally as SUGA, began his military service on September 22, 2023. Due to health-related concerns stemming from past shoulder surgery, SUGA is fulfilling his duty as a public service worker rather than as an active-duty soldier. He is expected to complete his service around June 2025. Despite not being in combat roles, his contribution is equally recognized under the law.
RM, V, Jungkook, and Jimin Enlisted Together
The remaining four members RM (Kim Namjoon), V (Kim Taehyung), Jungkook (Jeon Jungkook), and Jimin (Park Jimin) began their service in December 2023. This coordinated enlistment was a strategic move by BigHit Music and the members to reduce the overall hiatus period and allow for a group comeback sooner.
- RM: Enlisted on December 11, 2023. Expected discharge: June 2025.
- V: Enlisted on December 11, 2023. He joined the Special Task Force under the Capital Defense Command. Expected discharge: June 2025.
- Jimin: Enlisted on December 12, 2023. Expected discharge: June 2025.
- Jungkook: Also enlisted on December 12, 2023. As the youngest member, his service completion marks the group’s full readiness for a comeback. Expected discharge: June 2025.
Current Status of BTS During Enlistment
While all members are currently serving, BTS has not entirely disappeared from the public eye. Several members released solo albums, participated in international campaigns, and left pre-recorded content before enlisting. For example, Jungkook released his solo debut album Golden in 2023, and RM’s solo work gained critical acclaim for its introspective style.
BigHit Music has continued to manage individual schedules and releases in a way that maintains fan engagement. Social media remains active with periodic updates, and special content drops such as unreleased footage, interviews, and online fan interactions keep the ARMY fandom connected during the hiatus.
Expected Full BTS Reunion Date
Based on the projected discharge dates, all seven members are expected to complete their military duties by June 2025. This sets the stage for a highly anticipated group comeback in the latter half of 2025 or early 2026. The group’s label, BigHit Music, has confirmed that BTS intends to reconvene as a full group after service completion and resume their musical and performance activities together.
Speculation around their post-service projects includes possibilities of a world tour, a full-group album, and major performances. Given the symbolic timing, fans expect their reunion to be one of the most watched music events of the decade. BTS’s return is also anticipated to have a significant impact on both the Korean music industry and global pop culture.
Impact on K-Pop and Military Service Perception
BTS’s approach to military service has influenced public perceptions both in and outside of Korea. By choosing not to seek exemptions, they set a precedent for future idol groups and celebrities. Their decision has been widely praised for promoting equality and duty, while also demonstrating responsibility as cultural ambassadors.
Moreover, their enlistment strategy such as staggered and then simultaneous entries has set a model for managing group activities during mandatory service. Other K-pop groups have begun emulating similar plans to minimize group hiatus periods and maintain fan engagement.
Fan Support and ARMY Activities
Throughout this period, the BTS ARMY has remained steadfast in their support. Fan projects such as streaming parties, charity donations, and digital tributes have continued globally. Many fans have used this time to explore solo discographies and share personal stories of how BTS has inspired them.
Social media trends like #UntilWeMeetAgain and #BTS2025 regularly go viral, showing anticipation for the group’s return. The level of engagement during their service underscores BTS’s lasting influence and the loyalty of their fanbase. Their ability to maintain relevance during a complete group hiatus is a testament to their impact as cultural icons.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
With the final discharge dates approaching in mid-2025, all eyes are on BTS’s next chapter. Expectations are high for a historic reunion, and the music industry is already preparing for the wave of excitement that will follow. Whether through documentaries, a full-length album, or a massive concert tour, BTS’s return is poised to be a milestone moment in entertainment history.
Their military service period, rather than diminishing their presence, has reinforced their significance as role models who balance fame with national responsibility. Fans, critics, and fellow artists alike await their comeback not just for the music, but for the message they continue to send around the world.