K-pop superstars RM and V from BTS released from military service

BTS members RM (left) and V, who have been discharged from South Korea’s mandatory military service, pose for photographs during an event in Chuncheon, South Korea, on June 10. PHOTO: REUTERS

UPDATED Jun 10, 2025, 11:59 AM

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CHUNCHEON, South Korea – The world’s most popular boy band are heading for a reunion. K-pop megastars RM and V from BTS were released on June 10 from 18 months of South Korean military service, prompting a fan frenzy.

The seven members of BTS, South Korea’s most lucrative music act, have been on a self-described “hiatus” since 2022 while they separately undertake the mandatory service, required of all South Korean men under age 30 due to tensions with the nuclear-armed North.

Hundreds of fans gathered near two army bases just outside capital Seoul where band leader RM – recently named “Favourite K-pop Artist” at the American Music Awards – and singer V were released on June 10.

They are two of four BTS members who will be released this week. Jimin and Jungkook will be discharged on June 11.

Two more – Jin and J-Hope – who enlisted first, were discharged in 2024. The final member Suga – who has been working as a social service agent for alternative non-active-duty service – will be released later this month.

Hybe, the band’s agency, urged fans not to go to the discharge location, citing safety concerns.

“With the safety of both artistes and fans in mind, we strongly urge fans not to go to the location in person,” the agency wrote on Weverse, its superfan platform.

Despite the warning, dozens of fans gathered outside V’s military base, eagerly awaiting the return of their star. “Honestly, I came here with such high expectations,” said Ms Yang Ho-hee, 28, outside the base.

Fans had hung colourful banners to welcome the 29-year-old back to civilian life.

“Taehyung, let’s never be apart again,” one said, referring to V’s real name, Kim Tae-hyung. “I’ll follow only you, Taehyung. We are each other’s strength,” said another.

Reunion tour?

Near the bases, on a football field where the newly released BTS members are set to speak later, hundreds of fans from around the world gathered, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols.

“Actually, it’s mixed emotions. I feel like I’m crying already,” said Ms Arlene Mendoza, a fan from the Philippines. “I’ve been travelling to Korea so many times, but this is actually the first time I’ll see V.”

In addition to the army releases, June 13 is so-called Festa – a celebration that marks the anniversary of the group’s debut and typically draws thousands of global fans to Seoul.

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Ms Mendoza plans to attend fellow member J-Hope’s concert on June 13, plus join other BTS Festa events.

All the band members signed new contracts with Hybe in 2023, and once Suga is released on June 21, analysts expect reunion activities.

This should boost the K-pop industry as a whole, and especially Hybe.

“In the case of Hybe share prices, the current market consensus is seen as not fully reflecting BTS’ impact,” said Ms Lim Soo-jin, an analyst at Daishin Securities.

Despite an ongoing police investigation into the company chairman for suspected insider trading and a recent raid by the authorities, analysts say Hybe’s shares are expected to remain stable.

“We see there’s a high possibility of an upward revision in earnings forecasts, which could, in turn, drive the stock price higher,” Ms Lim said.

Hybe’s shares have seen a sharp increase, rising by 10 per cent over the past week through June 9.

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GDP impact

Prior to beginning their mandatory military service, the mega boy band generated more than 5.5 trillion won (S$5.2 billion) in yearly economic impact, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.

That accounts for roughly 0.2 per cent of South Korea’s total gross domestic product , according to official data.

Hybe has hinted at a BTS comeback in 2025, but has also said the members need time for reflection and preparation.

“Usually, the process goes from song production to album release, then a tour,” Mr Lee Jae-sang, chief executive of Hybe, told a shareholder meeting in March. “But since BTS have already become global top-tier artists, we are continuing discussions about their vision and what’s next.”

Outside Hybe headquarters in Seoul, banners from fans read: “Thank you for making even the waiting feel joyful.”

The building was wrapped with the slogan “We are back”, the official logo for the upcoming BTS Festa. AFP

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