Fans feared K-pop's biggest stars were gone forever. Now, they're set to return
When members of K-pop titan BTS began their mandatory South Korean military service in 2023, fans feared the worst – was this the end? But now, 18 months on, six of the seven members have done their duty, with Suga due to wrap up on Saturday.
And that has fevered speculation Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jungkook, V, Jin and Jimin – each of whom have since launched successful solo careers – will reunite to bring BTS back to the stage next March.
Though details have not yet been confirmed, The Korea Herald this week cited an unnamed but official source within entertainment giant HYBE as confirming the group would be back next year and suggested there might be a new single or project ahead of that event.
Last week, the seven stars reunited for the first time in two years to mark the 12th anniversary of the group, and the end of J-Hope's first solo tour.
Jin and Jungkook took to the stage to perform BTS song Jamais Vu with J-Hope as a trio while the other members watched from the crowd. But for the passionate and devoted fan base, BTS ARMY (BangTan Sonyeondan Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth), just seeing them together in the same venue was a thrill.
Why are BTS so badly missed?
BTS are most recognised for hits like Butter and Dynamite, and were formed in 2010 by entertainment company Big Hit Entertainment (now Big Hit Music, a label under HYBE). Their debut single, 2 Cool 4 Skool, landed in 2013, followed by the album, Dark & Wild, in 2014.
Since then, they have released nine studio albums, been nominated for two Grammy Awards, broken 25 Guiness World Records (including most streamed group act on Spotify), and charted four No.1 albums faster than any group since the Beatles.
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