K-pop megastars RM, V released from army, promise BTS reunion

Good news for the global ARMY! K-pop sensations RM and V of BTS have officially completed their mandatory military service in South Korea, being discharged on Tuesday, June 10. This marks another significant step towards the highly anticipated full reunion of the supergroup.

Fans gathered near the military base to welcome the two members back. RM and V, still in their army uniforms, offered a salute to the cheering crowd, sharing heartfelt messages about their return to the stage.

"To all the ARMYs who have waited for us in the military, I want to say I am truly, truly grateful," V expressed to the gathered fans and media. He added, "Please wait just a little longer and we will return with a really cool performance."

RM also conveyed his strong desire to get back to performing. Holding a bouquet of flowers post-discharge, he stated, "(Members) would feel the same, but stage performance, I want to perform the most. I’ll work hard to make an album soon and come back to the stage," after reportedly playing the saxophone for those present.

With Jin and J-Hope already discharged and engaged in solo activities, the focus now shifts to the remaining members. Jimin, Jung Kook, and Suga are reportedly set to complete their service around June 21, paving the way for all seven members to be back together.

BTS has been on a group hiatus since 2022, with members pursuing solo endeavors. The prospect of their collective return has been a topic of much discussion among fans and the industry, with members like J-Hope previously expressing excitement about the group's future reunion.

Adding to the buzz, their management company, HYBE, is organizing a special event called BTS FESTA this week to celebrate the group's 12th anniversary. While member attendance isn't confirmed for all, Jin's participation last year offers hope for possible appearances.

The positive sentiment surrounding the members' return was also reflected in the market, with shares of HYBE seeing a notable rise following the news, reaching their highest point in over three years.

The global scale of BTS's fandom was evident with groupies traveling to South Korea for the occasion. An Australian fan, 72-year-old Philip Darbyshire, captured the collective joy, describing the moment as "absolutely joyful" and looking forward to all seven members, or "OT7," being back together.