J-Hope of BTS smiles after military discharge in Wonju, South Korea (AP Photo)
The wait is nearly over. All seven members of BTS are finally returning from their mandatory military service in South Korea. The last to finish is rapper Suga, who will complete his alternative service on Saturday. His decision to serve as a social service agent reportedly stems from a past shoulder injury. BTS’ agency, HYBE, has confirmed that no fan events are planned for his discharge, citing safety concerns.
With Suga’s return, the group is officially whole again—and the world is watching closely for what comes next.
From Rookie Rappers to Global Icons
BTS—short for Bangtan Sonyeondan, or “Bulletproof Boy Scouts”—first made their debut in June 2013 under Big Hit Entertainment. The seven-member group includes RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook.
Their journey started with hip-hop influences in “2 Cool 4 Skool.” But it was the 2016 album Wings that marked their breakthrough in South Korea. A year later, they exploded onto the global scene when DNA entered the Billboard Hot 100. That moment changed everything—not just for BTS, but for K-pop itself.
Their performance at the American Music Awards in 2017 sealed their international appeal, building a loyal fan base that continues to grow.
Breaking Records and Language Barriers
In 2020, BTS released Dynamite, their first all-English single. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—an unprecedented achievement for a South Korean act. The song went on to become five-times platinum.
More hits followed: Butter, Be, Mic Drop, Idol, and Love Yourself: Answer—all earning platinum status. They collaborated with big names like Halsey and Coldplay and received five Grammy nominations, making history as the first K-pop act recognized in major U.S. award categories.
At their peak, BTS wasn’t just the biggest K-pop group. They were the biggest boy band in the world.
Voices Beyond Music
BTS didn’t just dominate charts—they also became voices for change. In 2018, they launched the Love Myself campaign with UNICEF, speaking at the United Nations to promote self-love and youth empowerment.
Their activism reached new heights in 2020. BTS donated $1 million to the Black Lives Matter movement, and their ARMY fanbase matched it in just one day. In 2022, the group even visited the White House to discuss anti-Asian hate crimes with President Joe Biden.
BTS Military Service Sparks Debate
South Korea mandates all able-bodied men between 18 and 28 serve in the military. While athletes and classical artists sometimes receive exemptions, K-pop stars are not included. In 2020, a legal amendment allowed BTS to delay their enlistment until age 30.
Despite calls for exemption, BTS chose to serve. Their agency announced in 2022 that all members would fulfill their duty—earning respect both at home and abroad.
A Creative Pause, Not an End
Rather than a hiatus, the military break became a time for solo growth. Jin released two EPs—Happy and Echo. RM dropped his second solo album, Right Place, Wrong Person. j-hope toured with his project Hope on the Street Vol. 1. Suga delivered D-Day under the name Agust D.
Jimin, V, and Jung Kook also explored solo paths. Jimin released Face and Muse, while V’s Layover brought a smooth R&B flavor. Jung Kook’s Golden introduced a retro-pop sound.
Looking Ahead: A BTS Reunion in Sight
With military service behind them, BTS is expected to reunite later this year. Their comeback promises more than just music—it’s a cultural moment fans around the world have been waiting for.
After years of anticipation, BTS is ready to step back into the spotlight—together.
