Exciting news for BTS fans! All seven members will have completed their mandatory military service by next month, paving the way for their long-anticipated return to their beloved fanbase, the ARMY.
This upcoming milestone has stirred up enormous excitement not just within the K-pop world, but also throughout the global music landscape. Fans and industry experts alike are buzzing with curiosity about when BTS will kickstart their full-group activities again and what fresh music and themes will mark this new chapter for the group.
With Jin and J-Hope already discharged last year, RM and V are set to follow suit on June 10. Jungkook and Jimin will be released on June 11, while Suga’s discharge date is slated for June 21.
Despite their military hiatus, BTS members have managed to stay connected with fans through pre-recorded solo projects. Jimin’s single “Who,” released during his enlistment, made waves by staying on the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive 33 weeks, setting a new K-pop record. RM’s “LOST!” also gained notable accolades during this time, clinching awards at international festivals, including the Shark Music Video Awards and Sislope Festival.
BTS’s last group album was the anthology “Proof,” released in 2022, and they last performed together at the concert “Yet to Come in Busan” in October 2022.
HYBE, the group’s management, has reiterated that BTS will commence group activities and performances following the complete return of all members. They’ve stated that preparations for a comeback are already in the works.
However, many analysts are cautious about an immediate comeback. They note that creating music and stage performances that live up to fans’ high expectations will require time and careful planning.
HYBE CEO Park Jiwon recently shared insights during a March shareholders’ meeting, stating that they are collaborating with top-tier composers and that the group is actively discussing its vision and direction moving forward. He emphasized the need for a thoughtful approach, given the enormity of BTS’s global presence.
Considering the necessary preparations, a full-group comeback isn’t expected until late this year, with some projections extending into the first half of 2025. Notably, Jin is scheduled to embark on a solo fan concert tour across South Korea, Japan, the U.S., the U.K., and the Netherlands starting next month, further supporting this timeline.
In a recent update on Weverse, RM expressed to fans, “There’s a lot I want to share—through both music and words.” Jimin also conveyed his gratitude, stating, “I will give you the best stage as a thank you for waiting.” While an official comeback may take time, there’s a possibility the members will reunite before then, reminiscent of Jin’s group appearance upon his discharge in 2023.
As the members approach their 30s, BTS is entering a new phase in their careers, and the anticipation among fans is palpable for the evolved messages they might convey.
Back in 2017–2018, BTS made a significant global impact with their “Love Yourself” series, championing the theme of self-love. Many experts believe that their solo ventures have fostered personal growth, setting the stage for a more mature and impactful return as a unit.
According to Lee Ji-young, a research professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies’ Semiosis Research Center, “Having trained and achieved success individually, the members’ reunion will likely result in music and storytelling that far surpasses their previous work. Their experiences, including military service, will bring a deeper emotional resonance.”
As K-pop faces challenges following its explosive rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, many believe the return of BTS could inject much-needed vitality into the industry. Data journalist Kim Jin-woo from Circle Chart reports a 17.7% drop in K-pop album sales and a 7.6% decline in digital streaming last year compared to the previous year.
Choi Kwang-ho, secretary-general of the Korea Music Content Association, remarked, “BTS is unrivaled in performance, and even their solo projects have been hugely successful. Their return is highly anticipated and could be the catalyst the K-pop industry needs to regain momentum, especially after a difficult year marked by global economic challenges.”
