BTS members Jimin and Jungkook have completed another piece of the complete puzzle as they embark on their discharge journey.
On the 11th, Jimin and Jungkook, who were discharged from the military, communicated with fans through a live broadcast on the fan communication platform 'Weverse'.
Before sharing their thoughts on their discharge, Jimin expressed concern for the fans who came to support them near the company building, saying, "It's quite hot outside, and the alley is narrow. I'm worried about safety accidents," and added, "I think it would be better for everyone if you go home first instead of waiting for us."
He continued, "Thank you so much for waiting, but for safety reasons, I think it would be better for you to go home first. Safety is the most important thing," reiterating his request.
The two were discharged together from the 5th Artillery Brigade in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi Province, on the morning of the same day. After sharing their discharge feelings with the press at a public sports field near the base, they reportedly moved to the HYBE building to greet the company officials.
Jimin said, "Both of us are still quite nervous about everything. When I met the reporters, my legs were shaking, and I couldn't remember what I said at all." The two mentioned that they woke up at 5 AM to run in order to show a good appearance before standing in front of the press. Jungkook joked, "Maybe because of my age, the swelling doesn't go down easily," which made everyone laugh. Jimin added, "I also gained 10kg when I went to the military. This is quite a lot of weight I've lost," and stated, "I will continue to work hard on my diet without making excuses."
Jimin mentioned that there were so many stories related to the military that he thought about making it into a 10-episode series. He then said, "Time really didn't pass. A week felt like a month."
In response, Jungkook said, "There were many sleepless nights. Still, we talked a lot about our activities and what songs we should do. We discussed a lot about what to do with the members."
He continued, "The most important thing I want to say to the fans is that I am very grateful for waiting in a place where we couldn't do anything," and expressed hope that "the day will come soon when we can prepare and repay you."
Jimin and Jungkook enlisted together in December 2023 as active-duty soldiers and served as a gunner and a cook (kitchen soldier) in the 5th Division Artillery Brigade.
Jimin received the best commendation, equivalent to the top score during the training period, and represented the trainees in taking an oath. It is also known that Jimin and Jungkook were promoted to sergeant early and diligently fulfilled their military service.
When Jimin said, "I became so immersed in being a soldier that I lived almost like a raw person," Jungkook replied, "It was okay because you were the ace." Jimin added, "I completely immersed myself in being a soldier and forgot for a moment that I was an entertainer," which made everyone laugh again.
The two, who revealed that they had a happy military life with good officers and comrades, encouraged, "I hope people recognize the hard work of soldiers a little. I really felt it deeply through military life. If you give good words, many soldiers will live with pride."
Finally, the two said, "We missed the fans so much. We are happy to meet again. We will appear in front of you as soon as possible in a good way. We will do our best to show you everything," and added, "Now we will not disappear. We will consistently create good music and show up," leaving a message of gratitude.
With Jin and J-Hope, who were discharged earlier last year, followed by RM and V the day before, and now Jimin and Jungkook, all members have completed their military service, bringing them one step closer to a full group comeback. Suga, who is serving as a social service agent, will be discharged on the 21st.
HYBE announced the members' discharge by wrapping the exterior of their building with the phrase 'WE ARE BACK', signaling a complete group comeback. This phrase will be displayed until the 29th. On the day before and on this day, about 1,500 fans gathered in front of the HYBE building to welcome Jimin and Jungkook's discharge.
As BTS members are discharged one by one, the '2025 BTS Festa' commemorating 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. 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. Following this news, HYBE's stock price surged to around 310,000 won, reaching its highest level in two years.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
