After 18 months of dedicated service, Kim Namjoon (RM) and Kim Taehyung (V), members of BTS, were officially discharged from South Korea’s mandatory military service on June 10, 2025. The completion of their service, fulfilled at separate military bases, marks a pivotal moment for the highly anticipated BTS reunion, expected later this year. The discharge, confirmed by BigHit Music, sparked celebrations among millions of fans, known as ARMY, who flooded social media with messages of excitement. Held without public ceremonies, the event has heightened anticipation for the group’s upcoming musical projects.
Namjoon and Taehyung began their military journey in December 2023, enlisting as active-duty soldiers. South Korea mandates that men aged 18 to 28 serve approximately 18 to 21 months, with few exceptions. Their discharge was accompanied by discreet messages shared in designated locations away from military bases to prevent gatherings.
- Key dates: Enlistment on December 11, 2023.
- Military units: Namjoon served in the 15th Infantry Division; Taehyung joined the Ssangyong Unit of the 2nd Corps.
- Fan reactions: Hashtags like #WelcomeBackRM and #WelcomeBackV trended globally.
- Next steps: BigHit Music urged fans to show support remotely for safety.
The absence of public events during the discharge reflects safety concerns, a precaution emphasized by the agency after past crowd-related incidents. Attention now shifts to the reintegration of Namjoon and Taehyung into BTS’s activities, following Jin and J-Hope’s discharges in 2024.
Namjoon’s military journey
Kim Namjoon, known as RM and BTS’s leader, excelled during his service in the 15th Infantry Division. After basic training in Nonsan, he graduated as one of four elite soldiers among 200 recruits, a milestone celebrated by fans. In August 2024, Namjoon announced his promotion to corporal via social media. His military experience, though demanding, included moments of camaraderie, such as karaoke outings and ice-skating with fellow soldiers, shared through Instagram posts.
Namjoon stayed connected with fans through occasional Weverse and Instagram updates. In a February 2025 post, he expressed eagerness to return to civilian life, hinting at stories he’d share from his military days. His public countdown, starting with a “D-100” post in March, amplified fan anticipation, with each update met with fervor.
Taehyung’s path in the army
Kim Taehyung, or V, followed a distinguished path. Enlisting alongside Namjoon, he served in the Ssangyong Unit of the 2nd Corps, part of the Military Police Special Task Force. After five weeks of basic training, Taehyung underwent three additional months at the Army General Administration School, preparing for specialized duties. His commitment earned internal recognition, though he maintained a lower social media presence compared to Namjoon.
Taehyung’s service involved adapting to military rigor while bonding with peers. Fans praised his resilience, particularly for joining an elite unit known for its physical and strategic demands. His discharge on June 10 was met with emotional fan messages, including shared videos and nostalgic photos online.
Global fan reactions
The discharge of Namjoon and Taehyung triggered a wave of online celebrations. Hashtags such as #RM_WelcomeBack and #SEE_V_SOON topped global trends on platforms like X and Instagram. Fans worldwide hosted virtual events, including Weverse livestreams, to mark the occasion. The response underscores BTS’s cultural impact, maintaining a devoted fanbase despite their military hiatus.
- Fan activities: Livestreams, fan art, and video montages of the artists’ milestones.
- Viral posts: Messages like “Namjoon is free!” and “Taehyung, welcome back!” garnered millions of interactions.
- Community projects: Fan groups raised funds for BTS-supported causes, such as education and mental health.
BigHit Music issued a statement reinforcing the need to avoid military base visits, prioritizing safety. The agency also thanked fans for their unwavering support, acknowledging their role in BTS’s journey.
namjoon e tae 💜🩷 pic.twitter.com/SRG0ypnNKs
— yune (@luviemiku) June 10, 2025
Military service in South Korea
South Korea’s mandatory military service requires young men to serve around 18 months as active-duty soldiers or 21 months in public service roles, as with BTS member Suga. The law allows deferrals until age 30 for prominent figures, but BTS chose to serve without exemptions, earning respect for their civic duty.
Debates about exempting BTS due to their global cultural and economic contributions surfaced in 2020 but were dismissed by the government. The group’s decision to serve strengthened their domestic support and public image.
Anticipation for BTS reunion
With Namjoon and Taehyung discharged, focus turns to Jimin and Jungkook, expected to complete service on June 11, 2025, and Suga on June 21. The full BTS reunion—comprising Jin, J-Hope, Suga, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—is projected for the second half of 2025, possibly during the annual Festa event celebrating the group’s anniversary.
BigHit Music has not revealed future plans, but expectations are high for new music and global tours. BTS, which announced a hiatus in 2022 for solo projects and military service, remains a global force, with solo albums like Namjoon’s Right Place, Wrong Person and Jimin’s MUSE earning praise in 2024.
Highlights from their service
Throughout their 18-month enlistment, Namjoon and Taehyung shared glimpses of their military lives. Namjoon highlighted his adjustment to strict routines, mentioning activities like workouts and learning from younger peers. Taehyung earned recognition for his performance in advanced training, which demanded physical and mental endurance.
- Promotions: Namjoon reached corporal; Taehyung excelled in military police duties.
- Fan engagement: Weverse and Instagram posts kept fans connected.
- Group support: BTS members, despite being enlisted, exchanged supportive messages, like Namjoon commenting on Jungkook’s posts.
These moments strengthened their bond with fans, who eagerly followed each update.
BTS’s legacy and cultural impact
Since their debut in 2013, BTS has reshaped the global music landscape, elevating K-pop’s reach. Hits like “Dynamite” and “Butter” earned international accolades, including Grammy nominations. The military hiatus did not dim their influence, with members pursuing solo projects and fans remaining active.
BTS’s impact extends beyond music, boosting South Korea’s tourism, economy, and cultural exports. The discharge of Namjoon and Taehyung signals the next chapter for the group, with fans and industry observers anticipating their global return.
Preparations for their return
BigHit Music clarified that discharge days are reserved for military personnel, with no public events planned. Namjoon and Taehyung are expected to transition gradually back to civilian life. While fans speculate about solo or group projects, the agency has not confirmed timelines.
ARMY mobilization is already underway, with virtual and in-person celebrations planned within BigHit’s guidelines. The anticipation for BTS’s full return in 2025 is palpable, poised to cement their status as a defining musical phenomenon.
