Final BTS member discharged from military service, sparking reunion hopes
K-pop star Suga, a rapper and songwriter from global sensation BTS, has been discharged from South Korea's mandatory military service.
He is the last member of the band to finish their enlistment duties with Jin, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook already leaving the military.
The other six members of the K-pop band served in the army while Suga worked as a social service agent, which is an alternative form of military service.
His return is a big moment for BTS fans, known as the ARMY, as the band plans to reunite now they've all finished their service.
While details of a reunion have not been released, the group is expected to hold its largest-ever world tour in 2026, according to NH Securities, one of South Korea's largest investment firms.
"It's gone past excitement and into almost being numb," said Ayla O'Ryan, 45, from Scotland, about the potential reunion.
RM and V were discharged last week, with Jimin and Jung Kook discharged a day later.
"I hope they can explore whatever music...anything they want to do because I will always support them, whatever they feel like doing," said Alice Bonamy, an interpreter from France.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to complete 18-21 months of military service.
It's a system designed to deter aggression from rival North Korea.
Athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers are exempt if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige.
K-pop stars and other entertainers, however, are not exempt.
In 2020, BTS postponed their service until age 30 after South Korea allowed K-pop stars to delay their enlistment.
But there was a heated public debate in 2022 over whether BTS should be completely exempt.
The group's management agency then announced that all seven members would fulfil their duties.
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