BTS’s RM and V Set to Complete Their Military Service in South Korea

Chuncheon, Korea (AP) – K-Pop superstars RM and V, the latest members of BTS, were discharged from the South Korean military after completing their mandatory service.

They saluted as nearly 200 fans gathered for their release in Chuncheon City on Tuesday, with attendees traveling from as far as Mexico, Türkiye, and Brazil.

Reina Lorena Quintero Sevilla took an 18-hour flight from Mexico City. “I can’t express how thrilled I am to be here, witnessing the boys’ release and eagerly anticipating the opportunity to celebrate them in their hometown,” she said.

RM and V began their service in December 2023, joining three other BTS members (Jin, J-Hope, and Suga) who were already in the midst of their conscription.

Jin, the oldest member, successfully completed his military service and was discharged in June 2024. J-Hope followed suit and was discharged in October. Jimin and Jungkook are scheduled to be released this Wednesday.

The seventh member, Suga is completing his duties as a social service agent, which serves as an alternative to military service. He is set to be released later this month.

The seven BTS members are planning to reunite as a group in 2025.

In South Korea, all healthy males aged 18 to 28 are required to complete 18-21 months of military service under a conscription system designed to deter threats from North Korea.

Special exemptions exist for select individuals in fields such as athletics and classical music, but K-pop idols do not qualify for such privileges.

However, BTS members were allowed to defer their service after the revision of the Military Service Act, which permits K-Pop stars to delay enlistment until the age of 30.

There was considerable debate regarding whether BTS members should receive any special treatment. Ultimately, it was announced in 2022 that all seven members would fulfill their service obligations.