The long-awaited reunion of global K-pop sensation BTS has finally materialized following the completion of their mandatory military service, a period spanning approximately two and a half years. The staggered discharge of members began with Jin on June 12, 2024, followed by J-Hope on October 17, 2024, while RM and V completed their service on June 10, 2025, with Jimin and Jungkook following a day later.
Suga, who served in an alternative public service role due to health considerations, was the final member discharged on June 21, 2025, marking the complete fulfillment of their national obligations. The members’ commitment to completing service without exemptions strengthened their connection with fans worldwide.
The group publicly reunited on July 1, 2025, through a highly anticipated Weverse livestream that attracted millions of viewers worldwide. During this digital gathering, members candidly discussed their experiences in the military, with Jin noting how the time apart allowed for personal growth while strengthening their appreciation for collective work.
The group’s decision to serve without seeking exemptions, despite their enormous global influence, considerably enhanced their public image in South Korea and demonstrated their commitment to civic duty.
Throughout the enlistment period, BTS maintained fan engagement through pre-recorded content and solo projects, allowing ARMY to remain connected while awaiting the group’s return. This strategy proved effective, as demonstrated by the continued strong sales of both archive material and solo releases during their absence.
Carefully curated content kept the BTS-ARMY connection vibrant, sustaining commercial success despite the group’s physical absence.
All seven members have subsequently renewed their exclusive contracts with Hybe Music, signaling a unified vision for BTS’s future endeavors. The group has already begun exploring sync deals for their extensive catalog, creating additional revenue streams while preparing for their comeback activities.
The reunion has set the stage for a much-anticipated comeback, with plans for a new album in early 2026—their first full group release since 2022’s “Proof.” Additionally, the announcement of an upcoming world tour has generated considerable excitement among fans and industry observers alike.
As the members navigate the reintegration of their collective identity while balancing flourishing solo careers, their military service experience has added a new dimension to BTS’s narrative of growth and resilience. Their remarkable ability to maintain relevance showcases the importance of personal branding in sustaining a successful music career through extended absences.
The group celebrated their 12th anniversary during their OT7 Festa concert in Seoul on June 13, 2025, just days before Suga’s discharge, showcasing their enduring bond despite the challenges of military service.
