BTS members RM and V have officially completed their mandatory military service, much to the excitement of fans across the globe. The duo was discharged earlier Tuesday morning, June 10, after serving for 18 months since enlisting on December 11, 2023.Stepping out in full military uniform, RM and V were welcomed by a wave of cheers and applause from fans and media gathered near their bases. Fans gathered despite the band’s agency, HYBE’s request not to go to the location, citing safety concerns. “With the safety of both artists and fans in mind, we strongly urge fans not to go to the location in person,” the agency wrote on Weverse, its superfan platform. V was seen holding large floral bouquets, while RM stepped out with a saxophone and put up a dramatic performance, for BTS’s devoted fanbase, ARMY, and the reporters present at the scene.RM, born Kim Namjoon, served in the military band of the 15th Infantry Division based in Hwacheon. V, born Kim Taehyung, served in the elite Special Duty Team (SDT) under the 2nd Corps Military Police in Chuncheon, a role reserved for physically capable and highly trained individuals.In an official statement posted on the fan platform Weverse, Big Hit Music noted, “There are a number of soldiers being discharged on the same day. No official events will be held, and each location has limited space, raising the risk of safety issues due to crowding.”The homecoming of RM and V signals the beginning of BTS’s gradual return to full group activities. Members Jimin and Jungkook are slated to complete their service tomorrow, June 11, while Suga, currently serving as a social service agent due to medical reasons, is expected to be discharged on June 21. Jin, who was the first to enlist in 2022, is also due to rejoin the group imminently.HYBE hinted at a BTS comeback this year, but has also said the members “need time for reflection and preparation”. “Normally, the process goes from song production to album release, then a tour,” Lee Jae-sang, CEO of HYBE, told a shareholders’ meeting in March.“But since BTS have already become global top-tier artists, we are continuing discussions about their vision and what’s next,” Lee added.Outside HYBE headquarters in Seoul, banners from fans read, “Thank you for making even the waiting feel joyful.”The building was wrapped with the slogan “WE ARE BACK,” the official logo for the upcoming BTS FESTA — an event which marks the anniversary of the group’s debut.The annual event, set to take place on Friday, marks the group’s 12th anniversary and is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans from around the world.
