BTS members RM and V have discharged simultaneously, marking the start of their full group return.
RM and V, who enlisted together in December 2023, were discharged simultaneously on the morning of the 10th at a location in Gangwon Province while serving in the military. The two underwent official discharge procedures within the unit and moved to a nearby open field to meet with reporters and share their thoughts. About 200 domestic and international fans gathered at the scene to welcome them.
RM, who got out of the car, caught attention by playing the saxophone, a skill he acquired from the military band. The two held bouquets prepared by their agency and expressed their gratitude for their discharge. The bouquets, including the representative color of BTS, purple, and red flowers, made their discharge even more special.
RM opened the conversation by saying, “Hello. I am Sergeant Kim Nam-joon, who has just been discharged today.”
He continued, “I have finally been discharged. I have served the shortest military service in history, and the conditions have improved a lot. I faced many hardships and difficulties at a late age. However, while serving in the military, I felt that many people were protecting the country while I was active as a singer.”
He added, “I felt that I could actively work because people were protecting and fighting for the country both at the front and in the rear. I especially became close to my father and friends who have served in the military. It was a meaningful time to bond with fellow veterans.”
In conclusion, he said, “I am worried about my juniors, but I hope they can endure a little longer and come out to society healthy. Thank you to the fans for waiting. I hope you will watch over me as BTS's RM now. Thank you to everyone who has waited.”
Next, V said, “I think my time in the military was a period of reflecting on my body and mind. I rebuilt my body and mind, and I want to get closer to the fans as soon as possible,” adding, “If you wait just a little longer, I will return with an amazing stage.”
He also expressed, “I hope the officers and soldiers who took care of me during my military service discharge safely. Thank you for taking good care of me. I will also become a good and wonderful person when I go out into society.”
The two mentioned their desire to return as a full group as their first priority. “I want to perform first. We will make a great album and return to the stage. I will stop returning to the unit and return to the stage,” they said humorously as they left.
Even while moving, the two could not hide their joy about their discharge as they walked arm in arm.
RM and V will first move to the HYBE headquarters to greet agency officials and then have personal maintenance time. After that, they will once again share their discharge greetings through a fan communication platform.
RM served in the Army Band of the 15th Infantry Division in Hwacheon, while V served in the Special Duty Team (SDT) of the Military Police of the 2nd Army Corps in Chuncheon.
Before his discharge, RM recently posted a screenshot of a military service schedule app with the phrase, “Only 7 days left until discharge!” on social media, expressing his excitement. V also shared a screen with the phrase ‘Sergeant, Elio D-9’, showing his eagerness to get closer to fans.
RM and V have reportedly fulfilled their military service diligently, starting from being selected as ‘elite trainees’ during their training period to being promoted to sergeant ahead of schedule.
Following them, members Jimin and Jungkook are set to be discharged the next day on the 11th. Suga (Min Yoon-gi), who is serving as a social service agent, will be released from service on the 21st.
As BTS members are being discharged one by one, the ‘2025 BTS Festa’ celebrating their debut date will be held at Goyang KINTEX on June 13. It is not yet known whether the members will participate in the event. Member J-Hope will hold a solo encore concert at Goyang Sports Complex on the same day.
With all members of BTS completing their military service this month, they are expected to make a comeback as early as this fall or at the latest in the first half of next year. Accordingly, HYBE's stock price has soared to around 310,000 won, reaching its highest level in two years.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
