BTS’ Kim Seok-jin has returned from military service | The Express Tribune
After 18 months, Jin, the oldest member of BTS, has officially completed his mandatory military service and returned.
At 31 years old, Jin is the first member of the influential K-pop group BTS to finish his military service, having enlisted in December 2022. BTS’ agency, Big Hit Music, announced his discharge to fans through a statement on Weverse.
“Jin is close to completing his active service in the army and will soon be discharged,” the statement read.
It also reminded fans that no special events were planned for his discharge, which is reserved for military personnel only, and urged fans not to visit the site to prevent “any issues arising from overcrowding.”
Korean media gathered outside, broadcasting live on both television and online platforms. Footage from Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a prominent news network in Korea, captured Jin embracing his comrades as he got ready to leave the military facility.
Shortly after, on the SBS broadcast, Jin was observed exiting the military base, pausing to offer a salute and pose for the cameras and spectators.
Upon stepping out, he was greeted with a bouquet of flowers and warmly embraced by nearly all of his fellow BTS members who are currently fulfilling their military duties.
Setting the atmosphere, the group’s leader, RM, serenaded with a saxophone rendition of BTS’ popular song “Dynamite.”
BTS Kim Seok-jin’s post-military Weverse livestream
On the day of his discharge from the military, Jin hosted a live session on Weverse. During the livestream, he expressed his desire to do something memorable following his discharge but lamented not having had the opportunity yet. Additionally, Jin mentioned that he hadn’t had much time to practice and hadn’t sung for approximately a year and a half.
Which BTS members have enlisted for military service?
In October 2022, Jin and his fellow BTS members – RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook – held a large-scale free concert called “Yet to Come” in Busan, South Korea. The event, aimed at supporting the city’s bid for the 2030 World Expo, attracted countless fans from around the globe who identify as ARMY, BTS’ devoted fanbase.
Several days following the concert, Big Hit Music, a subsidiary of Hybe Corp., declared that all seven members would proceed with their military service as planned. They stated it was deemed “the perfect time” for this decision and highlighted the group members’ pride in fulfilling their duty.
Prior to his enlistment, Jin dropped a solo track titled “The Astronaut.” In a video unveiled at the start of the year, he conveyed to fans to “wait just a bit more” as he expressed eagerness to “start working hard soon.”
It’s anticipated that BTS will regroup in full by 2025, once all seven members have completed their military service.
