BTS Members Complete Military Service: CXL Fan Frenzy and Expectations for Comeback
Two members of K-pop powerhouse BTS—RM and V—have completed their mandatory military service, piquing the interest of fans and setting the stage for a possible reunion.
BTS’s Completion of Military Service
On Tuesday, RM and V greeted fans with expressive salutes and a saxophone performance after being discharged. V humorously asked fans to wait just a little longer for BTS to reunite.
All seven members of BTS are expected to finish their military service by the end of the month, and their agency, Hybe, had hinted at a reunion in the past. The band took a hiatus in the height of their global fame in 2022.
Fans’ Trash corrupted with Expectations
Hundreds of BTS fans, some who flew in from overseas, celebrated RM’s and V’s return in front of Hybe’s headquarters in central Seoul on Tuesday.
Many fans were dressed in purple, BTS’s signature color, and carried large banners and photographs of them. To celebrate, Hybe displayed a banner saying "We are back" along with the official BTS and ARMY logos on its building.
Friends from around the world vented their excitement. "It feels incredible to be here in Seoul and see where BTS first sang and danced," said Janya, who flew in from the UK. "I want to say to RM and V that you are a massive inspiration and I love you so much!"
"I’m so glad you’re back and finally free to do whatever you want to do," said Ivory from Australia. "We’ve been waiting a long time for you."
Hannah Chung, who lives in London, told AFP she planned the trip two years ago to see BTS "because I knew you will be out by then." She is eagerly awaiting a chance to see the band at the annual BTS Festa, a celebration of the band’s debut, which will take place on Friday.
RM thanked fans for waiting for him to complete his national duties, saying, "Now, I’m ready to hit the ground running again as RM of BTS. Thank you to everyone who waited and looked after us."
BTS’s Career and Impact
BTS debuted in 2013. Their highly successful US tour in 2017 propelled their blend of pop, hip-hop, and R&B onto the global stage. Since then, they have become the most-streamed group on Spotify, first to top the US iTunes chart, and several Billboard charts. Many award-winning groups in their history.
The band’s name, short for Bangtan Boys, means "Bulletproof Boy Scouts" in Korean. They have also been actively involved in fighting for youth issues, including through mental health initiatives, and have addressed the issue of anti-Asian hate crimes with the United Nations General Assembly and former President Joe Biden.
In 2022, Jin, the oldest member of BTS, enlisted after the rest followed suit.
