Suga, the rapper and songwriter from the global K-pop phenomenon BTS, has completed his mandatory military service in South Korea, marking the return of all seven BTS members from their enlistment duties.
His agency confirmed that Suga finished his alternative service on Wednesday after using up his remaining leave, with his official discharge date set for Saturday. Big Hit Entertainment, BTS’ management company, had previously stated that no events would be held for his discharge to avoid overcrowding.
This milestone is significant for BTS fans, as the entire group is now free from military duties and is expected to reunite as a band sometime in 2025.
Recently, BTS members RM and V completed their military service, followed shortly by Jimin and Jung Kook, all of whom enlisted in December 2023. Six of the seven members served in the army, while Suga performed alternative service as a social service agent. Jin, the oldest member, was discharged in June 2024, and J-Hope followed in October.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 must serve 18 to 21 months in the military as part of a conscription system designed to protect against threats from North Korea. Some exemptions exist for athletes, classical musicians, and dancers who win top awards and enhance national prestige, but entertainers like K-pop stars do not qualify.
However, in 2020, BTS was allowed to postpone their military service until age 30 following a revision of the Military Service Act. Despite public debates in 2022 about granting BTS special exemptions, the group’s agency confirmed in October 2022 that all seven members would fulfill their military duties.
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