Suga, rapper and songwriter of global K-pop sensation BTS, has officially completed his mandatory military service in South Korea, marking the return of all seven group members following their enlistment duties.
The artist’s label confirmed that Suga wrapped up his alternative service on Wednesday, having used up his remaining leave days. Although his official discharge date is set for Saturday, he no longer has any outstanding obligations. Unlike previous member discharges, no public event was held to mark the occasion, with BTS’s agency Big Hit Music citing concerns over potential crowding.
The moment is a significant milestone for millions of fans worldwide. BTS is expected to reunite as a full group sometime in 2025, now that all members have completed their service.
Several of the group’s stars were recently discharged. Last week, RM and V completed their military duty, followed a day later by Jimin and Jung Kook, all of whom enlisted in December 2023. Jin, the group’s eldest member, was the first to finish his service in June 2024, with J-Hope following in October. While six members served as active-duty soldiers, Suga fulfilled his obligations through an alternative social service program, a path allowed for health or other qualifying reasons.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required to serve between 18 and 21 months in the military, part of a conscription system aimed at deterring aggression from North Korea. Special exemptions are granted to elite athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet dancers who have won top international prizes—benefits that do not extend to K-pop stars.
However, in 2020, South Korea’s National Assembly amended the Military Service Act, allowing prominent K-pop figures to defer enlistment until age 30. BTS was among the first to benefit from the revision. In 2022, a heated national debate emerged over whether the group should be granted a full exemption, but in October of that year, their agency announced that all seven members would fulfill their duties as required.
With military obligations behind them, BTS is now poised for a highly anticipated comeback as a full group in 2025—a moment that is sure to once again shake the global music scene.
