BTS, already a global sensation, made waves in 2020 with the release of their chart-topping single “Dynamite.” This lively, feel-good track, performed entirely in English, garnered numerous accolades and dominated the Billboard charts, solidifying BTS’s status as a recognizable name in the U. S.and Europe. Since then, their influence has only continued to expand within the Western music landscape.
Subsequent hits such as “Butter, ””Permission to Dance, ”and their 2021 collaboration with Coldplay, “My Universe, ”have further established BTS as a cultural and musical phenomenon, drawing parallels to legendary groups like The Beatles. Yet, just as they ascended to unmatched heights in the industry, the group announced an indefinite hiatus, leaving fans speculating about their return. Below, we explore what is known about their eagerly awaited comeback.
Quick Links
- Why BTS Went On Hiatus
- Which BTS Members Are On Military Service
- What BTS Have Revealed About Their Reunion
Reasons for BTS’s Hiatus
Mandatory Military Service
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By the summer of 2022, BTS was at the pinnacle of their popularity, following a series of sell-out concerts recognized by Billboard as some of the highest-grossing tours since COVID-19 lockdowns lifted. This fame was further highlighted by multiple Guinness World Records for their social media following. They even made history by visiting the White House, which intensified the perception of their limitless growth potential.
However, on June 14, 2022, BTS dropped a bombshell announcement regarding an indefinite hiatus, allowing each member to pursue individual music projects and fulfill their mandatory military service. This announcement shocked fans worldwide, especially those outside South Korea, who had grown accustomed to the group’s constant public presence. The abrupt pause in collective activities left many uncertain about the future of BTS.
While ‘taking a break’ is a familiar concept to Western music fans, it often raises concerns about the viability of a group’s future. Thankfully, for BTS, this hiatus is primarily dictated by South Korea’s Military Service Act. All able-bodied South Korean males are required to serve in the military for 18 to 21 months, creating a structured timeline for their hiatus.
Though enlistment can be deferred for public figures temporarily, many South Korean men complete military service as a societal obligation. Thus, BTS’s situation is best described as a temporary break in group activities which is mandated by military service. Members will continue to focus on solo projects until all have completed their military duties, paving the way for a future reunion.
Current Military Status of BTS Members
Individual Enlistment Status
As all seven BTS members are classified as able-bodied South Korean males, they are obliged to serve in the military. Factors such as age differences and societal norms affect the timing and duration of their service. According to K-Pop Database, all members have enlisted as follows:
| BTS Member | Enlisted | Expected Discharge |
|---|---|---|
| Jin (Kim Seokjin) | December 13, 2022 | June 12, 2024 |
| J-Hope (Jung Hoseok) | April 18, 2023 | October 17, 2024 |
| Suga (Min Yoongi) | September 22, 2023 | June 21, 2025 |
| RM (Kim Namjoon) | December 11, 2023 | June 10, 2025 |
| V (Kim Taehyung) | December 11, 2023 | June 10, 2025 |
| Jimin (Park Jimin) | December 12, 2023 | June 11, 2025 |
| Jungkook (Jeon Jungkook) | December 12, 2023 | June 11, 2025 |
Insights on Their Future Reunion
Anticipation and Excitement for Reunion
Following the hiatus announcement, all BTS members initiated personal projects during their staggered enlistments, leaving fans curious about their future as a group. Solo endeavors have allowed each member to express their unique musical styles, but they all share a collective eagerness to reunite and create new music, encapsulated by the desire to “light it up like dynamite”once more.
In a recent feature with Weverse Magazine, J–Hope expressed his excitement to reunite with the group after the military service, emphasizing the creative energy and fresh influences each member will bring. He remarked:
There are certainly things we need to do as BTS. When we’re all back together as a group, it’s going to have a huge impact, and everybody’s going to be watching. I’m excited to see what it’ll feel like when we perform together again.
Similarly, Jimin shared insights into his military experience in a letter to fans, discussing late-night talks with Jungkook about their reunion and preparations for re-entering the music scene:
My determination to give you the best stage possible, for all of you who have waited for us, has not wavered. I’ll prepare diligently, truly… I’ll do my best to return in a really good state.
Meanwhile, RM, who managed to release two solo albums and film a documentary prior to his enlistment, has consistently contemplated the future direction of BTS. As detailed in an interview with People Magazine, he has remained committed to the group’s legacy even while pursuing personal projects.
As these developments unfold, it appears that plans for a BTS reunion are not only probable but expected, with a likely timeframe set for late 2025, once Jimin and Jungkook complete their service. This timing aligns well with the group’s long-standing bond, of over a decade, and their continued youth offers abundant opportunities for an exciting second chapter.
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