BTS member Jin discharged from military, band reassembles to celebrate his homecoming

PTI, Jun 12, 2024, 11:43 AM IST

Singer Jin of the internationally renowned K-pop group BTS has officially been discharged from his mandatory military service, as confirmed by the band’s managing agency on Wednesday.

The news was met with joy as the six other BTS members—RM, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—were granted a day off from their own military duties to celebrate Jin’s homecoming. The reunion was marked with festivities that included a cake, cookies, and balloons spelling ‘JIN IS BACK’.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18-28 must serve roughly two years in the military. BTS members were able to defer this duty until they reached the age of 30. Jin, born Kim Seok-jin, began his service on December 13, 2022, making him the first of the group to enlist.

Big Hit Music, BTS’s management agency, shared the announcement and celebratory images on Instagram, echoing the excitement of the band’s global fanbase, known as ARMY. Jin’s discharge came just a day before BTS’s 11th debut anniversary, adding to the jubilation. The fan group is eagerly anticipating FESTA 2024, a two-week event commemorating the band’s debut, and a special meet-and-greet with Jin to be livestreamed on Weverse.

BTS aims to reunite fully by around 2025, following the completion of all members’ military service commitments.