Photo: AFP
Two members of the globally renowned K-pop group
BTS, RM and V, were released from their mandatory military service on Tuesday,
sparking a wave of excitement among their fans. The two idols were discharged
separately at army bases, where hundreds of fans gathered to celebrate their
return. RM, the group leader, shared that the members are eager to perform
again and are actively working on a new album to return to the stage as soon as
possible. V also expressed his desire to reunite with their fans, known as
ARMY, and emphasized how the military service gave him a chance to reset both
physically and mentally.
The return of the BTS members marks a significant
moment as the group has been on hiatus since 2022 due to the members' military
duties. Four BTS members are completing their service this week, and SUGA is
set to be discharged later this month. Despite warnings from their agency,
HYBE, about safety concerns, fans gathered outside V's military base to
celebrate his return. The fervor surrounding the discharge celebrations
reflects BTS's immense global fanbase and the anticipation of their next moves.
BTS's return is expected to have a substantial
impact on both the entertainment industry and the South Korean economy. Before
their military service, the group generated more than $4 billion annually,
contributing roughly 0.2% to South Korea’s GDP. Analysts predict that with all
members returning, the group’s reunion activities will drive substantial
profits for HYBE, the group's agency. HYBE has hinted at a BTS comeback later
this year, though the exact timeline remains uncertain as the band members continue
to reflect and prepare for their next phase.