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Digital Artwork of BTS in military uniform. Generated by Dall E.

BTS, the world-renowned South Korean boy band, is expected to return as a group in June 2025. Members RM and V enlisted in the army on the 11th, beginning their military service at the Nonsan Army Training Center. Their enlistment was a moment of camaraderie, as fellow members Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, and Jungkook were present to show their support.

Jin, the eldest member of BTS, enlisted in December last year, followed by J-Hope in April this year. Suga has been serving as a public service worker since September. They took leave to bid farewell to their fellow members. With Jimin and Jungkook set to enlist tomorrow, all members of BTS will have commenced their military duties.

BTS had been granted a deferment of military service until age 30 under a revised military service law in 2020, allowing those recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to postpone their enlistment. However, amidst ongoing discussions about their military service and potential exemptions, the members have decided to serve consecutively over the past year.

RM expressed his feelings on the platform Weverse, saying, "I've been so happy living as a member of BTS for the past ten years," he believes "this period will be a time of new inspiration and learning for all of us." He concluded with a promise of reunion, "Farewell for now. Let's remain 'us' wherever we are! See you in the future."

V also shared his thoughts before enlistment, acknowledging the challenge of being away from their fans, ARMY, but promising to return healthier after the 18-month service. "Take care of your health and find happiness daily, and then 'Ta-da! I am back!' I will appear," he wrote on Weverse.

During a recent appearance on YTN, columnist Kim Hern-sik delved into the intricacies of BTS's enlistment, discussing the timelines, reasons behind their decision, and the potential future awaiting them post-service. Kim highlighted the importance of the dates chosen by each BTS member for their military service. Starting with Jin's enlistment in December of the previous year, followed by J-Hope, and now RM and V, each date marks a significant moment in their career trajectory and personal lives.

Dr. Kim Hern-sik, a columnist for our New Journalist Today and a guest on YTN, praised Jin's recent early promotion in the military. He attributed it to Jin's consistent dedication and positive influence, both as a member of BTS and in his military service. Jin informed fans on Weverse in July that he had been promoted early to Sergeant.

Dr. Kim also predicted that upon their total return in 2025, BTS's goal would likely be to win a Grammy Award. He noted that while it is challenging to win a Grammy, the likelihood of winning increases once awarded.

As BTS members embark on this new chapter, their journey resonates with their fans and the broader narrative of South Korea's unique blend of cultural tradition and modern celebrity culture. The group's decision to fulfill their military service, a rite of passage in South Korea, marks a significant moment in their career, showcasing their commitment to their national duties and global fanbase.

The hiatus also opens a new avenue for individual artistic exploration. Members like RM, Jin, and J-Hope have already ventured into solo projects, indicating a period of creative growth and personal development. This individual journey promises to bring a more decadent, more diversified array of music and artistry when they reconvene as a group.

Looking beyond the military service, the future for BTS is bright. Their global fanbase does not just eagerly anticipate their return in 2025 but is also seen as a potential catalyst for further elevating K-pop on the world stage. Their aspirations, particularly eyeing a Grammy Award, symbolize their personal goals and the aspirations of a generation of artists they represent.

The story of BTS is far from over. Their temporary pause as a group is a new beginning for the members individually and for BTS as an emblem of a cultural phenomenon. As RM poignantly said, this is not a goodbye but a promise of a new dawn. The world watches with bated breath as each member takes this time to grow, only to return more robust, united in their artistry and vision, ready to write the next chapter in their remarkable journey.​​