BTS Reunited: Suga Completes Alternative Military Service, All Seven Members Now Free

In a historic moment for K-pop fans, BTS member Suga has officially completed his mandatory military service, marking the return of all seven members from their enlistment duties. The rapper and songwriter, who fulfilled his duty as a social service agent, was discharged on Wednesday after using up his remaining leave. His official discharge date is set for Saturday. The label confirmed the news, stating that no events were planned for Suga’s release out of concern for overcrowding. This comes after the group’s management agency, Big Hit Entertainment, had earlier announced that all members would fulfill their duties as required by law. The seven singers of the popular K-pop band plan to reunite as a group sometime in 2025 now that they've finished their service. Last week, BTS superstars RM and V were discharged from South Korea’s military after fulfilling their mandatory service. Jimin and Jung Kook were discharged a day later, all four having enlisted in December 2023. Six of the group’s seven members served in the army, while Suga fulfilled his duty as a social service agent, an alternative form of military service. Jin, the oldest BTS member, was discharged in June 2024, while J-Hope was discharged in October. In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18-21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea. The law gives special exemptions to certain individuals in fields such as athletics, classical and traditional music, and dance if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige. However, K-pop stars and other entertainers are not subject to such privileges. In 2020, BTS postponed their service until age 30 after South Korea’s National Assembly revised its Military Service Act, allowing K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until age 30. There was heated public debate in 2022 over whether to offer special exemptions of mandatory military service for BTS members, until the group’s management agency announced in October 2022 that all seven members would fulfill their duties. The completion of Suga’s military service is a momentous occasion for fans of the K-pop group BTS, who have been eagerly awaiting the reunion of their favorite idols. With all members now having completed their service, fans can look forward to seeing BTS back on stage together again soon.