Two of K-pop's BTS megastars released from military service

The world’s most popular boy band are heading for a reunion: K-pop megastars RM and V from BTS were released Tuesday from 18 months of South Korean military service, prompting a fan frenzy.

- SUE HAN KIM HIEUN SHIN

The seven members of BTS, South Korea's most lucrative musical act, have been on a self-described “hiatus” since 2022 while they separately undertake the mandatory service, required of all South Korean men under 30 due to tensions with the nuclear-armed North.

Hundreds of fans gathered near two army bases just outside of the capital Seoul where band leader RM — recently named “Favourite K-pop Artist” at the American Music Awards — and singer V were released on Tuesday.

They are two of four BTS members who will be released this week. Two more, who enlisted first, were discharged last year, and the final member SUGA — who has been working as a social service agent for alternative non-active-duty service — will be released later this month.

HYBE, the band’s agency, urged fans not to go to the discharge location, citing safety concerns.

“With the safety of both artists and fans in mind, we strongly urge fans not to go to the location in person,” the agency wrote on Weverse, its super-fan platform.

Despite the warning, dozens of fans gathered outside V's military base, eagerly awaiting the return of their star.