Long-awaited reunion: Jin (centre) waving after being discharged from mandatory military service. — AP
K-pop megastar Jin of BTS fame ended more than 500 days of mandatory military service, crying tears of joy, with bandmates embracing him and one belting out a group hit on the saxophone to celebrate.
The seven members of the world’s most popular boy band have been on a self-described “hiatus” since 2022 due to their military service, which South Korea requires of all men under 30 due to tensions with the nuclear-armed North.
Jin, the oldest in the group and the first to enlist, emerged from the gates of his army base in the northern Yeoncheon county early yesterday, where he was met by bandmates RM, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook. Only Suga was not present.
The stars, who have reportedly taken leave from duties to mark the day, presented a beaming Jin, still in his military uniform, with a giant bouquet of flowers, as they all hugged while RM – whose real name is Kim Nam-joon – played the saxophone, blasting out the hook of BTS’s mega-hit “Dynamite”.
Fans had hung colourful banners outside the base, with one reading: “Seok-jin, you did so well for the last 548 days. We’ll stand by you with our unwavering love,” referring to the singer by his full first name.
A giant balloon flew in front with the message: “Worldwide handsome Seok-jin!
“Congratulations on your discharge.”
Yeoncheon county put up its own banner that read: “BTS Jin, the last year and a half was a joy for us. Yeoncheon will not forget you!”
Fans had been urged not to show up. There were only a couple of admirers present outside the base.
“Although my hands were shaking and my muscles stiffened, I was so happy to see him,” said Natose Sunagawa, a 19-year-old from Tokyo.
Holding a plush doll of Jin, and with a keyring of Jin’s face on her purse, she said she came because she “wanted to meet him so bad”.
“As all BTS members haven’t finished their military service, I believe Jin will release solo materials. I wish to buy his solo albums and go to the concerts,” said Sunagawa, wiping away her tears.
BTS’s official account on X posted a picture of the group celebrating Jin’s discharge with a cake.
“I’m normally more handsome than this, but I cried when I was discharged. My eyes are puffy. I usually have confidence in my face, but I’m less confident today,” said Jin in a livestream on Weverse, a superfan social media platform.
Showing off his certificates and commendations, Jin mentioned that he “did well” during his service and cried twice because he was so happy to be home.
His release comes just ahead of the 11th anniversary of the group’s debut, with their agency Hybe’s office in Seoul and some local cafes decked out in purple decorations to mark the occasion.
Jin will participate in a “huggathon” today, where he will hug 1,000 fans who won a raffle held on Weverse, before giving his first performance in two years.
Jin said on Weverse that the “huggathon” was his idea and that he had “initially wanted to hug 3000 fans” but had to agree to a smaller number after Hybe cited safety concerns.
The next BTS member to finish will be J-hope or Jung Ho-seok, who will be discharged in October. The rest of the band will complete their service in June 2025. — AFP
