K-pop sensation BTS celebrates return of bandmates after military duties paused music career
Ecstatic K-pop fans have celebrated the news that BTS is one step closer to getting back together after two of its band members finished their duties in the army.
RM, 30, and V, 29, began serving in December 2023 - and were discharged from mandatory military service in South Korea on June 10.
The seven-member boy band temporarily disbanded in 2022, to allow each of its members to enlist. In South Korea men ages 18 to 28 must serve two years in the nation's armed forces.
The country's parliament passed a bill in 2020 allowing the group to defer their service until the age of 30.
The duo emerged Tuesday in Chuncheon, South Korea to about 200 fans - many of whom traveled from all over the world for the jubilant moment.
Fans, who were stationed on a soccer field, held up signs and photos of the singers, taking pictures and videos as RM and V saluted their fans.
RM even serenaded the onlookers with a saxophone solo.
Two more of the group's seven members had already completed service. The remaining three wrap up soon. V told fans they'd only have to wait a little longer for the men to re-emerge as a unit.
'Performing is what I want to do the most,' RM told the waiting crowd.
Since their hiatus, both RM and V released solo projects. RM came out with 'Indigo' in 2022 and 'Right Place, Wrong Person' in 2024. V's 'Layover' came out in 2023.
The BTS 'army'- as they lovingly call their fans - is anxious for the group's reunion. Jimin and Jung Kook are set to be released from their military duties on June 11. Suga, who chose alternative service, will return June 21.
Jin, the oldest member, was discharged last year. J-Hope was released in October.
Representatives for the group confirmed that they have plans to reunite later in 2025, after all seven members are relinquished from their duties.
Fans could not be more excited.
Those that couldn't make it all the way to Asia for RM and V's resurgence, chimed in on social media, expressing their enthusiastic excitement at the long-awaited return.
'You thinks it's bad with RM and V wait till tomorrow when JK and Jimin get discharged,' wrote one fan on X.
'WE ARE SO BACK'
'Welcome back! I'm so proud of them for serving their country!'
'THEY ARE FINALLY HOME AND FREE'
Some fans even documented signage throughout Seoul that read 'BTS is Back,' in celebration of the group's quickly approaching return.
BTS hasn't released music together since 'Map of the Soul: 7' in 2020, which they canceled the tour for due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After five years, fans are desperate to see the group live again. And they hope that now, it's just a matter of months.
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