BTS member Jungkook (Jeon Jungkook, 28) showed signs of awkwardness when meeting the press after a long time.
On the 11th, Jimin and Jungkook completed their 18-month military service and were discharged. They entered the 5th Division Recruit Training Center together on December 5, 2023, and continued their military service at the same division.
As the agency HYBE announced that there would be no events on the day of discharge, no separate events were held at the members' unit. However, around 8 AM that day, they had a brief meeting with the press at a sports field located in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do.
Many domestic and international fans were present, and Jimin and Jungkook, dressed in military uniforms, arrived in a black vehicle. The two, who saluted while shouting ‘Unity’, appeared shy to meet their fans after a long time.
Jungkook first said, “Thank you for coming to see us discharge. Honestly, it’s been so long in front of the camera, and I didn’t even put on makeup, so I feel embarrassed. I don’t know what to say.”
He continued, “I want to express my gratitude to the comrades and officers who served with us. They worked so hard living with us, and I want to say thank you for taking good care of us.”
BTS began their military service in December 2022, starting with the eldest member Jin, followed by J-Hope, Suga, RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook, taking a break from group activities.
With Jimin and Jungkook being discharged today, 6 out of the 7 members have now returned to civilian status, following Jin, J-Hope, RM, and V. Suga (Min Yoongi), who is serving as a social service agent, will be discharged on the 21st.
As BTS members are set to all become ‘military veterans’ this month, fans' expectations for a full group comeback are rising. HYBE has stated, “We hope for BTS’s full group activities in 2025,” leading the industry to anticipate a new album from BTS by the end of this year or at the latest in the first half of next year.
There are also expectations for opportunities to meet the full group of BTS before their comeback. BTS will hold the ‘2025 BTS Festa’ on the 13th at Goyang KINTEX to celebrate their debut anniversary. Additionally, on the same day, J-Hope’s solo encore concert is scheduled at Goyang Sports Complex, raising interest in whether fans will be able to see the full group of BTS.
[Lee Da-kyum, Star Today Reporter]
