When Will All BTS Members Come Back from Military?
The global K-pop phenomenon, BTS (), also known as the Bangtan Boys, has been serving their mandatory military service as required by the South Korean government. The group has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2022, with members enlisting individually. Fans worldwide are eager to know when all seven members will return to active duty as a group. In this article, we’ll provide an update on the current situation and predicted timeline for the members’ military service.
Enlistment Timeline
• Jin (Kim Seok-jin): Enlisted on December 13, 2022, and will be serving for approximately 22 months.
• J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok): Enlisted on February 26, 2022, and will be serving for approximately 24 months.
• Suga (Min Yoon-gi): Reserves duty, expected to enlist in March 2024, and will be serving for approximately 17 months.
• Jin (Kim Seok-jin): After completing his active duty in December 2024.
• RM (Kim Nam-joon): Expected to enlist after the 2024 Tokyo Olympics, exact date uncertain.
• Jimin (Park Ji-min): Expected to enlist around 2025, date uncertain.
• Taehyung (Kim Tae-hyung): Expected to enlist around 2025-2026, date uncertain.
• Jungkook (Jeon Jung-kook): Expected to enlist around 2026-2027, date uncertain.
Contents
Current Situation: Military Service and Group Operations
Prior to their enlistment, BTS had been on hiatus since 2022 to focus on individual activities, including solo music releases, acting, and philanthropy. The group’s leadership, Big Hit Entertainment, released a statement announcing the start of their military service on October 10, 2022.
During their hiatus, the members are prohibited from participating in promotional activities, performing, and releasing new music as BTS. However, they will continue to pursue solo endeavors and collaborations with other artists. This will allow the group to maintain their connections with fans and stay visible in the music industry without compromising their military service commitment.
Projections and Predictions for the Group’s Return
Based on the current enlistment schedule and the group’s commitment to serving their mandatory duty, here are some predicted timelines for the members’ return:
• Earliest Possible Return: May 2025 (All members complete their military service, with the last two members, Jungkook and Jimin, possibly enlisting in 2026-2027.
• Likely Timeline: Late 2026 to Early 2028 (All members complete their military service, with Jimin and Jungkook enlisting in 2026-2027.)
Please note that these timelines are subject to change depending on various factors, such as changes in military rules, the members’ eligibility for reserve duty, or unexpected circumstances.
Impact on the Global K-pop Scene and ARMY
The hiatus and individual enlisting of BTS members may have a significant impact on the global K-pop scene and the group’s fans, known as the ARMY. Here are a few potential effects:
• Shift in K-pop Landscape: The absence of BTS from the music industry may create a power vacuum, allowing other groups and solo artists to fill the gap and potentially gain mainstream recognition.
• Disruption of Fan Engagement: The ARMY, once the driving force behind BTS’s global success, will need to adapt to individual member activities and solo performances, potentially altering the nature of fan engagement and connections.
• New Pathways for BTS: Upon their return, the members may explore new creative endeavors, collaborations, and innovative music styles, potentially taking the group to new heights and redefining the K-pop landscape.
Conclusion
The wait for BTS’s return from military service is ongoing, but with the predicted timelines, fans can begin to visualize the group’s future path. While the hiatus poses challenges for the global K-pop scene and the ARMY, it also offers opportunities for individual growth and new creative directions. BTS’s dedication to serving their mandatory duty is a testament to their commitment to Korea and their fans. Fans worldwide will eagerly await their return, knowing that when they do, it will be a momentous celebration for the Bangtan Army.
