ARMYs, the wait is over!
After eighteen months of mandatory military service, BTS's oldest member, Kim Seokjin, a.k.a. Jin, 31, was officially discharged today, June 12, 2024.
Jin is the first member of the South Korean supergroup to complete the mandatory duty after enlisting in December 2022.
Jin emerged from the 5th Army Infantry Division’s base in northern Yeoncheon Gyeonggi Province, in South Korea, where he was met and greeted by his fellow bandmates—RM, V, Jungkook, Jimin, and J-hope. Suga was absent from the scene.
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A livestream video from Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a news outlet in Korea, showed Jin smiling and saluting outside the camp gate before RM played BTS’s 2020 hit song "Dynamite" on a saxophone.
He then exchanged hugs with other members of the band, who presented him with a giant bouquet of flowers.
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On June 10, 2024, BTS’s agency, Big Hit Music, announced Jin’s discharge which excited their fans, ARMY.
BTS's agency stated: "Hello. This is BIGHIT MUSIC.
"We are excited to bring you the news of Jin's upcoming military discharge.
Jin is close to completing his active service in the army and will soon be discharged.
"Please note that the discharge day is reserved for military personnel only. No special events are planned on the day of Jin's discharge.
"To prevent any issues arising from overcrowding, fans are strongly advised to refrain from visiting the site. Please convey your warm regards and encouragement in your hearts.
"We are always grateful for your unwavering love and support for Jin. Our company will continue to put our utmost effort into supporting our artists.
"Thank you once again for your continued love and support for BTS."
Read: Big Hit Music responds to BTS member Jin's reported enlistment on December 13
BTS MEMBERS REUNITE
Following Jin's military discharge, all seven members of BTS have reunited to celebrate the special day for Jin.
Even though the other members are currently still serving their military service, they took time to welcome Jin back into civilian life.
Read: BTS' RM, Jungkook, V, and Jimin commence military enlistment process
On their X (formerly known as Twitter) account, the group posted a photo featuring all BTS members, with Jin still wearing his military uniform.
As seen in the photo, the letter balloons hung behind the K-pop supergroup, and read: "Jin is back."
"I'm home!" the post's caption read.
This was the first time the group reunited after they performed a free concert in Busan in support of the country's bid to host the World Expo 2030 on October 15, 2022.
Meanwhile, on October 17, 2022, Big Hit Music made the announcement that all members of BTS would enlist in the military, with Jin going first.
Read: BTS members to enlist in mandatory military service; will reconvene in 2025
The seven members of BTS have been performing their service, which South Korean law requires all able-bodied South Korean men from ages 18 to 28 to serve for about two years in the military to defend the country from its nuclear-armed neighbor, North Korea.
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Exemptions, however, are given to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers who have won top places in international competitions as they have "enhanced national prestige."
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BTS FESTA
On June 2, Big Hit Music announced a special in-person event for this year's BTS FESTA, the annual celebration of the band's debut anniversary, which will happen at the Jamsil Arena in Jamsil Sports Complex, Songpa-gu, Seoul, on Thursday, June 13, in which Jin will be there to meet and greet their fans.
As per Big Hit Music, 1,000 lucky fans will be able to meet Jin and get a hug at Jin’s greetings event.
"FESTA will include upcycling workshops, BTS song lyrics for lucky draws, and a dedicated photo area. Jin suggested that the celebrations be planned to create special moments for their fans.
"Jin will kick off his activities in the second half of the year, building excitement for BTS’ future endeavors with ARMYs,” the company stated.
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