BTS’ RM and V discharged from South Korean military after completing mandatory service

BTS members RM and V have been discharged from the South Korean military after completing their mandatory service.

The pair began their military enlistment process in late 2023, along with their bandmates Jimin and Jungkook.

In a statement at the time, Big Hit Music wrote: “The artists are preparing to fulfil their military service duties. We will inform you of further updates in due course.” RM and V later bid farewell in letters to fans, before beginning their service on December 11 that year.

Today (June 10), it has been reported that the two singers have been discharged from the South Korean military after finishing their service.

According to the Associated Press, RM and V each saluted upon their release in Chuncheon City. It is said that around 200 fans cheered them on – some of whom had travelled from Mexico, Turkey and Brazil.

“To all the ARMYs who have waited for us in the military, I want to say I am truly, truly grateful,” V reportedly told the gathered fans and media.

He went on to hint at BTS’ upcoming band reunion, which is expected at some point this year. “Please wait just a little longer and we will return with a really cool performance,” V said.

Jin, J-Hope and Suga were already months into their conscription when RM and V began their service; the former began in December 2022, and the latter the following April. Jin was then discharged last summer, with J-Hope following suit in October.

Jimin and Jungkook are scheduled to be discharged tomorrow (Wednesday June 11). Suga is currently fulfilling his duty as a social service agent – an alternative to military service – and is set to be released later this month.

Speaking to Apple Music 1 last month (via Billboard), J-Hope explained: “I look forward to June when our members will have completed their service. We will quickly get together and talk about what BTS can do in the future. I think it’s going to be a massive energy.”

Last December, he told Weverse Magazine: “When we’re all back together as a group, it’s going to have a huge impact, and everybody’s going to be watching.

“I’m excited to see what it’ll feel like when we perform together again. I want to come back in style and say, ‘This is us. This is BTS.’ I can’t speak for everyone, but I can tell you the other members feel the same way.”

BTS went on hiatus in 2022, so that its members could fulfil their mandatory service and “explore some solo projects”. Last month saw Jin release his second solo project, titled ‘Echo’.

South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 35 are required to serve a total of 18 months in the South Korean military.

It was confirmed in October 2022 that BTS would be serving their mandatory military terms without special exemptions. This followed a months-long public debate on whether the K-pop stars should be exempt or granted special allowances, given their contributions to the South Korean economy.

The post BTS’ RM and V discharged from South Korean military after completing mandatory service appeared first on NME.