It’s a fitting linguistic twist that BTS fans call themselves ARMY, while the K-pop band has been on hiatus while its seven members undertake mandatory military service.
ARMY in fact stands for Adorable Representative MC for Youth, while Junkook, V, Jimin, Suga, RM, Jin and J-Hope have been conscripted into their nation’s army. Military service is mandatory in South Korea for all able-bodied men aged 18 to 35, with most expected to complete 18 months.
BTS went on hiatus in 2022 at the height of their fame to allow the artists to complete solo projects — and fulfil their duties to their country. A K-pop sensation that went international, they dominated global music charts and generating an estimated $5bn for the South Korean economy each year.
Soon, they could be back.
Jimin and Jungkook saluted the media — and fans who defied a request to stay away — as they left a base in Yeoncheon on Wednesday 11 June. "Thank you so much for waiting for us all this time," Jungkook told the crowd. "Now that we've been discharged, I believe it's time for us to keep drawing the picture we've always envisioned. We'll make sure to prepare well and show you an even better version of ourselves."
Known for their flawless makeup and trendy haircuts, they appeared with bare faces dressed in anonymous army fatigues. “It’s been so long since I’ve been in front of cameras, “ Jungkook added. “I didn’t even put on makeup, so I’m a bit embarrassed.”
RM and V were discharged from a base in Chuncheon, on Tuesday 10 June, saluting in their uniforms. RM busted out a saxophone to serenade the crowd, while V teased that their supporters would need to "wait just a little longer" for the band to reunite.
Jin and J-Hope were discharged last year, so now six out of seven of BTS are civilians once more. Only Suga remains in service, and is due to be discharged on June 21.
All of them already signed a contract with Hybe offshoot Big Hit Music back in 2023 , swearing to fans that they would “stay together in 2025 and beyond”.
BTS haven’t performed together since their concert in Busan in October of 2022. Fans are hopeful they’ll be back in the recording studio soon, but Hype said they "need time for reflection and preparation” as they transition from military life back to that of megastar pop performers.
This Firday will mark the 12th anniversary of BTS’s debut. Fans are already gathering in Seoul to celebrate, where Hybe’s headquarters are wrapped in a banner proclaiming “WE ARE BACK”.
2025 is shaping up to be another huge year for K-pop, with Black Pink set to reunite and kick off their Deadline world tour in South Korea on July 5.
