'Finally free!' BTS' Jimin and Jungkook channel peak maknae energy, melt ARMY with shy giggles in first post-military appearance
"Finally Free" is trending online — and for good reason! BTS members Jimin and Jungkook have officially been discharged from their mandatory military service in South Korea. The duo, who enlisted together under the "Companion Soldiers" buddy system — which pairs close friends or relatives during their service — were relieved of their duties on June 11.
Pulling up in a black Carnival van and radiating pure maknae energy, the members were greeted by their staff before stepping out to meet reporters. A little shy, the duo giggled with each other as they faced the cameras for the first time in months. Still clad in their military uniforms, they also waved to the people who had been waiting patiently since dawn — something that hasn't sat well with many ARMY, as BIGHIT MUSIC had requested fans not to gather near the discharge site.
Jimin and Jungkook speak to ARMY
The duo took turns addressing ARMY, sharing heartfelt words one after the other. Speaking in Korean, Jimin said: "First of all, to our ARMYs — from the COVID era to our military enlistment — it's been quite a long time. Thank you so much for waiting for us. Now that we've been discharged, we'll continue working on the big picture we've been drawing. We'll do our best to prepare even better things to show you."
Jungkook followed with his own message of gratitude: "Yes, and to the sunbae soldiers who came before us, the soldiers still serving, our peers who left just before us, and the directors who worried—I mean, worked harder!!—than anyone as we lived and worked together, I just want to say thank you for taking such good care of us."
Since they couldn't express everything in that moment, the two added with a smile: "A lot has happened, but we'll gather our thoughts and share more with you... in a livestream."
Jimin wrapped things up on a touching note: "These memories that I'm truly grateful for — I'll cherish them in my heart for a long time."
ARMY react to Jimin and Jungkook's shy giggles
Soon after their photos and videos went viral, ARMY couldn't help but gush over how adorable the two looked. Many were especially emotional about seeing Jimin, as he hadn't appeared in front of a camera or shared any updates since his enlistment.
More about BTS
Jimin and Jungkook completed their service together at the Army's 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province. With their discharge, they become the fifth and sixth members of BTS to finish their mandatory military duties. Their return follows closely behind RM and V, who were officially discharged on June 10.
The group's eldest member, Jin, completed his service in June 2024, with J-Hope following in October. Now, with only Suga set to be discharged on June 21, the full lineup will soon be reunited — a long-awaited moment for ARMY around the world.
For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
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