‘Cheers and tears’: BTS’ Jimin and Jungkook return from military service to emotional fan reunion

By Xportsnews

• Published Jun 11, 2025 11:11 AM KST
• Updated Jun 11, 2025 3:11 PM KST

BTS members Jimin and Jungkook were officially discharged from the South Korean military on Wednesday, bringing fans — known as ARMY — to cheers, sobs and emotional reunions.

The two completed their service in the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, and held a brief five-minute greeting for the press at Yeoncheon Sports Complex around 8 a.m. on June 11.

Despite the early hour, thousands of ARMY from around the world flocked to the site from the break of dawn. While RM and V’s discharge drew large crowds the previous day, the turnout for Jimin and Jungkook was nearly triple in size. Fans arrived from across Asia as well as from Europe and South America, with many holding banners and signs congratulating the two idols. Messages like “Congrats on your discharge, Jimin” and “Golden Jungkook is back” adorned the streets and stadium alongside large wrapped buses and ad balloons.

One 30-year-old fan, Anaisa Silva, who traveled from Portugal a month in advance, said she was overwhelmed with emotion. “I’m just so grateful he’s back,” she said of Jimin. “I hope they’ll be active again and meet with ARMY. BTS is such a source of joy and comfort for us. Jimin, especially, means so much to me.”

A 32-year-old fan from Brazil, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed similar feelings. “Jungkook is an angel. I’m so excited and happy to see him again. I can’t wait to see BTS perform on stage once more.”

Seo A-ri-ling, 23, who flew in from China, said she burst into tears at the thought of BTS reuniting. “I planned my trip around their discharge and will visit everything from the FESTA to J-Hope’s concert — this is a BTS-only trip,” she said.

The event was intended as a press-only, non-public appearance. However, the large number of fans present created moments of tension. Some fans shouted at reporters blocking their view, yelling, “Press, sit down!” and demanded that the media step aside.

But once Jimin and Jungkook appeared, any tension gave way to cheers and tears.

“Thank you for coming from so far away,” Jimin said. “So many fans are here today, and I’m truly grateful. From COVID to military service, it’s been a long time, but thank you for waiting. I’ll prepare great things to show you moving forward.”

He added, “This was my first time in the military, and it wasn’t easy. It was hard, but I built strong bonds while eating and struggling together. I’ll cherish these memories for a long time.”

Jimin also offered a heartfelt message to the public. “If I may speak to the people of this country — I realized how tough military service is. There are many going through hardships, so if you see a soldier in passing, please say something kind to them.” He concluded with a hint: “There’s a lot more I didn’t get to say, but I’ll share more during a livestream.”

Jungkook also greeted fans warmly, saying, “ARMY who came today — I report my discharge!” He admitted feeling awkward in front of cameras again. “I didn’t even wear makeup — it’s been a while,” he said with a laugh.

He thanked fellow soldiers and officers, saying, “To the seniors, juniors and comrades who were discharged earlier — thank you so much for enduring with us and looking out for us.”

“There’s a lot I want to share,” he added, “and I’ll sort it out and talk about it during a livestream.”

After sharing their thoughts, Jimin and Jungkook quickly left the venue. Emotional cries of gratitude and farewell rang out as many fans wept openly at the scene.

Jimin and Jungkook enlisted together in December 2023. With RM and V discharged the day before, six out of seven BTS members have now completed their service. Suga, currently serving as a social service worker, is expected to complete his duty on June 21.

BTS will hold the “2025 BTS FESTA,” an in-person event celebrating their debut anniversary, on June 13 and 14 at KINTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. With all members set to return this month, the group is expected to launch a variety of new activities soon.

This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.