BTS Completes Military Service as Suga Becomes Last Member to Be Discharged
It’s official: all seven members of BTS are now out of the military — and fans can finally start counting down to a long-awaited group reunion.
Suga, the rapper and songwriter known for his introspective lyrics and sharp production skills, was discharged this week from South Korea’s mandatory military service. His label, Big Hit Music, confirmed he completed his alternative duties as a social service agent and used up the rest of his leave before his official discharge date on Saturday.
No public events were scheduled for his release, as the label cited concerns about potential overcrowding — a familiar scene when BTS members appear in public.
A Milestone Moment for ARMY
Suga’s discharge marks the end of a significant chapter: every BTS member has now completed their service, clearing the way for a full-group comeback in 2025.
Just last week:
- RM and V were discharged from active duty
- Jimin and Jung Kook followed a day later
- All four enlisted in December 2023
They joined Jin, the eldest BTS member, who was released in June 2024, and J-Hope, who completed his service in October 2024.
Suga was the only member not serving in the military. Due to a shoulder injury, he was assigned to alternative civilian duties, a legal substitute for those unable to serve in combat roles.
Military Service in South Korea: A Rite of Passage
South Korean law requires all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 to serve between 18 and 21 months in the military as a safeguard against threats from North Korea.
Some high-achieving athletes and classical artists are granted special exemptions if they’re seen as enhancing national prestige. But pop stars — including K-pop idols — aren’t typically eligible.
In BTS’s case, a 2020 revision to the Military Service Act allowed certain high-profile entertainers to delay enlistment until age 30, which all members of BTS took advantage of.
By 2022, a heated public debate emerged around whether BTS should be granted an exemption altogether. That discussion ended in October 2022 when Big Hit announced that all seven members would serve.
The Road to Reunion
With their military duties behind them, BTS is now set to reunite as a full group sometime in 2025 — though exact dates and comeback details remain under wraps.
In the meantime, fans can expect continued solo work and likely a carefully orchestrated comeback that reflects not only their global influence but also their journey through one of South Korea’s most time-honored obligations.
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