Jimin and Jung Kook officially discharged from military service, paving way for BTS reunion at 2025 FESTA
Jimin and Jung Kook, beloved members of global K-pop sensation BTS, were officially discharged from South Korea’s mandatory military service on Wednesday, marking a pivotal milestone in the group's long-awaited reunion.
Jimin & Jung Kook discharged from military service, setting stage for BTS’s full reunion at 2025 FESTA. Only SUGA remains in service.
Billboard Korea
Billboard Korea
Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
Billboard Korea
Fans and media gathered early near Yeoncheon Public Stadium in Gyeonggi Province to welcome the duo, who enlisted together in late 2023. Both served in the Republic of Korea Army’s 5th Infantry Division Artillery Brigade, completing their service with honor and gratitude.
Smiling brightly, Jimin expressed heartfelt appreciation to the crowd: “Thank you to the fans and reporters who came to see us. It’s been a long time—from the pandemic to the military—but now that we’re back, we’ll work hard to show you what we’ve prepared.”
Jung Kook echoed the sentiment, saying, “There were a lot of unforgettable moments. Thanks to everyone who served with us and supported us along the way.”
The discharge of Jimin and Jung Kook means that six of the seven BTS members have now completed their service obligations. Only SUGA remains in service, currently fulfilling his alternative duty as a public service worker, with his discharge expected later this month.
Despite their time in uniform, both artists continued to impact the global music scene. Jimin made history as the first Korean solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 with his single “Like Crazy” from his debut album FACE. Jung Kook’s solo debut GOLDEN peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and received widespread international acclaim.
BTS has been on official hiatus from group activities since 2023 to allow members to fulfill military obligations. With Jin, j-hope, RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook now discharged, the group’s complete reunion is imminent.
Their official return will be celebrated at the highly anticipated 2025 BTS FESTA, taking place June 13–14 at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea. The event is expected to be a monumental homecoming, bringing together BTS and ARMY for the first time in over two years.
As Jimin said in closing: “Military life wasn’t easy, but I’m grateful for the memories. If you see a soldier on the street, a warm gesture can mean a lot.”
The countdown to BTS's next era has officially begun.
