BTS Members Jimin and Jungkook Released From Military Service, Urging Kindness Toward Soldiers
On June 11 at around 8 a.m., Jimin and Jungkook of BTS officially ended their mandatory military service, stepping out together at the public stadium in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, near where they had been stationed. The moment was met with loud cheers as the two superstars walked from their vehicle carrying bouquets, smiling brightly and saluting the crowd, declaring simply, “Unity” to mark their discharge.
Fans and media gathered in full force despite the early hour, turning the area around the stadium into a festive scene. Giant helium balloons floated overhead, bearing messages like “Together Again With Jimin” and “We Missed You Jungkook Congratulations on Your Discharge.” Banners thanking the local community read, “Thank You Yeoncheon for Taking Care of Jungkook” and “Congrats to Jimin on Becoming a Civilian Again.” Even street lamps 10 kilometers away were decorated with purple placards celebrating the return, one reading, “A Purple Return Time to Fly Again,” which added to the excited atmosphere.
Over 100 media personnel from both Korea and abroad were present to cover the event. Although BigHit Music had asked fans to avoid coming in person, hundreds of ARMY — coming from places as far as Asia, South America, and Europe — showed up early, some as early as dawn, holding heartfelt placards and filming every moment.
"All my friends are BTS fans. We came together to celebrate Jimin’s discharge. I want to tell him, ‘You did so well for all that time. Congratulations.’" Anaisa Silva, 30, from Portugal
“I missed Jungkook so much. I will not be able to attend the concert on the 13th due to exams, but I really want to go to the next one. Congratulations on your discharge.” Yang Woo Hoon, 20, a Chinese student studying in Korea
TRENDING“I got up early to celebrate. Some fans even came the day before.” Daphne, 29, from Brazil
The crowd’s enthusiasm led to slight tension when some fans climbed ladders to get a better view, which others asked not to do in order to keep sightlines clear. To keep things safe and orderly, over 30 police officers were stationed nearby along with traffic controls. For fans unable to attend the discharge in Yeoncheon, many gathered outside HYBE’s headquarters in Seoul’s Yongsan district, creating a mini concert-like gathering with local and international ARMY alike.
After being discharged, Jimin shared his reflections:
"From COVID-19 to the military, it has been quite a long journey. Thank you so much for waiting. Now that I have been discharged, we will get back to painting the picture we have been envisioning. We will prepare well and show you." Jimin
"Having experienced it myself, I realized the military is not an easy place. There are many who are enduring hardship. If citizens see soldiers on the street, even a few kind words would mean a lot." Jimin
Jungkook, visibly moved and joking about being camera-shy without makeup, expressed gratitude:
"It has been a while since I have stood in front of cameras, and I did not even put on makeup so I am not sure what to say. I want to thank my fellow soldiers and superiors who went through a lot with us. I am truly grateful for how well they looked after us." Jungkook
Once they finished speaking, both waved warmly, got back into their vehicle, and departed the scene, closing a significant chapter in their lives.
This milestone comes just a day after fellow BTS members RM and V completed their military duties. With their return, fans are anticipating the full group to resume activities soon. SUGA will finish his alternative service on June 21, completing the group’s military commitments. Meanwhile, Jin and J-Hope, who were discharged earlier, have been busy with solo projects.
To celebrate the group’s 12th anniversary, BTS and BigHit Music are gearing up for the annual ‘2025 BTS FESTA’ on June 13 and 14 at KINTEX in Goyang, a tradition since their debut in 2014. HYBE recently decorated its Yongsan headquarters with BTS and ARMY logos along with the message “WE ARE BACK,” honoring both the FESTA and the members’ returns. This display will remain up through June 29.
At the same time, J-Hope is preparing for the final shows of his tour, ‘HOPE ON THE STAGE FINAL,’ happening on June 13 and 14 at Goyang Stadium. Fans are buzzing with excitement, hoping other BTS members might make surprise appearances at either FESTA or J-Hope’s concerts.
With their military service behind them, the BTS members are clearly ready to reunite with their fans and start a new chapter together. The anticipation for what’s next couldn’t be higher.