SEOUL (ANN/THE KOREA HERALD) – Jin, the eldest member of the renowned K-pop group BTS, completed his 18 months of mandatory military service on Wednesday, much to the delight of fans worldwide who are eagerly awaiting his return to the music industry.
He was spotted leaving the 5th Army Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, approximately 61 kilometres north of Seoul, around 9 a.m. During his time in service, Jin worked as an assistant drill instructor at the Army recruit training centre there. After saluting at the gate, he was presented with a bouquet of flowers and beamed with happiness as he reunited with five of his bandmates: J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. RM commemorated the occasion with a celebratory saxophone performance.
The band members currently serving in the military had reportedly applied for leave to join the private celebration in Seoul. Suga, however, was not present. Jin then waved to the media before quickly getting into a black minivan and leaving the site.
BigHit Music, the group’s agency, had advised fans against visiting the location to avoid overcrowding. On Thursday, Jin is set to hug fans who won a raffle event at this year’s BTS FESTA, the annual celebration of the band’s debut anniversary, held at the Seoul Sports Complex in southern Seoul. Additionally, he will host a meet-and-greet event for fans, which will also be livestreamed on the Weverse K-pop fan community platform. Jin is anticipated to release a solo album later this year.
Jin’s discharge marks the completion of military service for the first of BTS’ seven members. J-Hope is expected to finish his service in October. BTS is projected to reunite as a full group in 2025, once all members have completed their military duties.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for a period ranging from 18 to 21 months.
