Yongcheon, Korea (AP) – K-Pop icons Jimin and John Cook, the latest member of BTS, have officially completed their mandatory military service in Korea.
On Wednesday, both were seen in military attire as they saluted and greeted the fans who gathered to witness their release from the hospital.
John Cook expressed gratitude to the journalists and fans who made the journey to see him and Jimin post-discharge, acknowledging the surreal feeling of stepping back into the limelight. “It has been quite some time since I faced the camera without makeup, so I’m feeling a bit shy,” he mentioned. “I’m not sure what to say.”
He joined the army in December 2023, just a day after RM and V did. The latter was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday. They saluted as around 200 fans attended their release in Chinchon City on Tuesday, with some having traveled from Mexico, Türkiye, and Brazil.
John Cook thanked fans on Tuesday for their patience during RM’s wait for him, teasing a future reunion for the band. “If we can hold on a little longer, we’ll return with a truly spectacular performance.”
The seven members of the beloved K-Pop group are expected to reunite in 2025 after completing their service.
Six out of the seven members have served in the Army; Suga is currently fulfilling his duties through an alternative military service as a social service agent. He is set to be discharged later this month.
Jin, the eldest member of the K-Pop supergroup BTS, was discharged from the hospital in June 2024. J-Hope also had his discharge in October.
In South Korea, all healthy individuals aged 18 to 28 are required to serve between 18 and 21 months of military service under a conscription system designed to deter aggression from rival North Korea.
The law allows special exemptions for athletes, classical musicians, traditional musicians, dancers, and others who achieve high levels of success in recognized competitions, but K-pop stars and other celebrities are not granted such privileges.
However, in 2020, a law was passed allowing BTS to defer their enlistment until the age of 30. The Military Service Act was revised to accommodate this change.
The public discourse escalated in 2022, even involving the group’s administration, regarding whether BTS members would receive special exemptions from mandatory military service. It was confirmed in October 2022 that all seven members must complete their duties.
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Sherman reported from New York.
Source: apnews.com