The group BTS is returning to society after completing their military service. All members will become civilians by June, and fans are eagerly counting down the days until BTS makes a full group comeback.
BTS began their military service in December 2022, starting with the eldest member Jin, followed by J-Hope, Suga, RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook. The members who have not yet been discharged, except for Jin and J-Hope, will return to society this month. V and RM will be discharged on the 10th, Jimin and Jungkook on the 11th, and Suga on the 21st.
Debuting in 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment, the predecessor of HYBE, BTS has become a representative artist of South Korea after continuous growth.
They have topped major global charts such as the US Billboard, UK Official Charts, and Japan's Oricon Charts, and were the first K-pop artists to win awards at two of the three major US music award shows (Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards).
Since 2022, they have entered Chapter 2, balancing group and solo activities. The albums and songs released through their solo activities have also dominated global charts, showcasing their unique presence as both a team and solo artists.
In 2023, BTS signed a second contract with HYBE, agreeing to continue together after their military service. HYBE announced that their new exclusive contract will start in 2025. Although the exact contract period has not been disclosed, the risks regarding full group activities after military service have been resolved.
In June 2025, the Ministry of Defense clock will have run its course, and the time for 'Full Group BTS' will arrive.
As HYBE has expressed hope for BTS's full group activities in 2025, the industry anticipates that a new album from BTS will be released as early as the end of this year or at the latest in the first half of next year. Along with this, a tour that will visit major stadiums around the world is also expected to take place.
While it may take some time to prepare for the comeback, there is speculation that there will be opportunities to meet the full group of BTS before that.
Fans are expressing their expectations that all members will attend J-Hope's encore concert 'HOPE ON THE STAGE FINAL' at the Goyang Sports Complex in Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang City, on the 13th and 14th. Although Suga's discharge date is still pending, he is able to attend the weekend performance as he is currently serving in an alternative duty.
Alternatively, there are predictions that all members may take the stage together at Jin's '#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR' held at the auxiliary stadium of the Goyang Sports Complex on the 28th and 29th after Suga's discharge to share their thoughts on their return.
With all members completing their military service, BTS is set to fully resume their activities. As a symbolic presence of the global 'K-pop craze', it will be interesting to see what new records they will set in Chapter 3.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
