20 Unmissable Highlights From BTS Star V's Time In The Military
During his 18-month-long military service, BTS' V not only kept his fans entertained with new projects but also managed to win numerous awards.
Even when BTS' Kim Taehyung, aka V, was wearing the military uniform and fulfilling his duties under the Special Task Force of the Military Police Corps, he proved that he was a real pop star. Following his enlistment in December 2023, ARMYs expected a quiet period. But they were taken by surprise when the BTS star continued to release new projects even during his 18-month-long service.
Now that his mandatory service ended on June 10, let's take a look at all his accomplishments in the past year and a half.
V released his first solo album, Layover, in September 2023, just months before enlisting in the military. On December 20, 2023, it became the top-selling solo album in Japan. According to Oricon Charts' year-end rankings, Layover ranked at No. 16.
Making A Mark On Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Charts
V's song Wherever U R with singer-songwriter UMI made it onto both the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart and the Hot R&B Songs chart on Billboard. This was the first time that the BTS singer entered the charts as a soloist.
Won Big At The Seoul Music Awards
At the 33rd Seoul Music Awards, which took place in January 2024, V won a 'Main Award", and his album Layover was named Fan Choice of the Year. It was the first time he was nominated for his solo project.
Went Viral For IU's MV Love Wins All
V starred in IU's music video Love Wins All, which became a hit. Wedding-theme photos of him and IU trended on the Chinese social media platform Weibo with over 100 million views. The MV itself has a whopping 95 million views on YouTube.
Bagged His First-Ever Korea Brand Award
Thanks to his appearances in variety shows like In the Soop: Friendcation and Jinny's Kitchen, Taehyung was honoured with the Male Idol Variety Star award at the 2024 Korea Brand Awards, which took place in January 2024.
Topped Song Downloads In South Korea
His solo English single FRI(END)S, released in March 2024, was a hit. The track topped South Korea's Circle Chart's Download Chart, even without any promotions.
Won Two K-pop Music Show Trophies
Despite not actively promoting his single FRI(END)S, the song managed to secure the first-place spot on the music show M Countdown for two weeks straight.
Won First iHeartRadio Music Award
V's solo album Layover won the Favourite Debut Album award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in 2024.
Peaked On The UK Charts
FRI(END)S reached No. 13 on the U.K. Official Chart, leaving behind his song Slow Dancing, which peaked at No. 24 on the same chart in 2023.
Released His Own Photobook
Expanding his creativity, V surprised his fans by releasing his own photobook in July 2024. Titled Type 1, the book features peaceful everyday moments of the K-pop idol, where he enjoys his quiet life.
Won Honours At FACT Music Awards
Even without attending the award show, BTS' V won big during the 2023 and 2024 Fact Music Awards. He bagged the award for Best Music – Fall in 2023 for Slow Dancing and the Best Music – Spring award in 2024 for FRI(END)S.
100 Million Views On Love Me Again MV
In August 2024, V's music video for Love Me Again, a single from his album Layover, hit the 100 million mark on YouTube, that too, in less than a year of its release.
Honoured At The First-Ever Korea Grand Music Awards
At the first Korea Grand Music Awards in November 2024, the 29-year-old K-pop idol was awarded the Trend of the Year in the Solo Artist category.
Won His First MAMA Award
After several nominations in 2022 and 2023, Taehyung finally won a MAMA award in 2024. He was named one of the Top 10 Fan Choice Male Artists alongside RM, Jimin and Jungkook.
Song With His Best Friend
V teamed up with his close friend, ballad singer, Park Hyo Shin, for a cosy winter duet titled Winter Ahead, a jazz-pop that fans loved with all their heart.
Sang A Rendition Of White Christmas
In December 2024, V fulfilled his dream by releasing White Christmas, as a duet with the late legend Bing Crosby. This holiday song touched fans all over the world.
Topped Holiday Charts Twice
Both Winter Ahead and White Christmas reached No. 1 on Billboard's Holiday Digital Song Sales chart within a week of each other. That turned out to be a perfect gift for his birthday, as he turned 29 on December 30.
Fans Donated In Yeontan's Memory
In December last year, V shared that his beloved pet dog Yeontan had passed away. Following this, his fans chose to raise money in Yeontan's memory and donate to the Korean Animal Welfare Association for V's birthday that year. Fans managed to raise around 1.23 million Korean Won (approx. $908).
Donated To Wildfire Relief
In March 2025, V donated 200 million Korean Won (approx. $147,504) to the Korean Red Cross to help his country recover from the devastating wildfires.
V's hard work as a soloist was recognised internationally when he received a nomination at the first-ever Music Awards Japan in its Special Award: Oshi-Katsu Request Artist of the Year category.
First Published:
June 10, 2025, 11:07 IST
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