After approximately 2 ½ years apart, the critically acclaimed K-pop group BTS is set to reunite on June 21, 2025. At the time of publication, Jin and J-Hope have already completed their military service. V and RM are expected to return on June 10, followed by Jungkook and Jimin on June 11 and Suga on June 21. A livestream featuring all seven members is scheduled to take place on the day of their reunion. 

In South Korea, it is mandatory for male citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 to enlist in compulsory military service. For male celebrities, this 18 to 24 month absence can be career-disrupting, as extended time away from the spotlight and media exposure may result in a loss of public interest. Given BTS’s unprecedented global success and their estimated $5 billion annual contribution, discussions emerged around a possible exemption for the group. Government officials such as Representative Sung Il-jong supported a bill that would exempt men if they “promoted national prestige;” however, BTS never personally sought or requested an exemption from service. 

“We had baseball players and actors who were sucked into World War II. Even Elvis Presley in the 1950s was one of the biggest examples as a pop star. I think once you start going down the path of giving exemptions to people because of who they might be or the wealth they have, it’s a slippery slope,” AP Government & Politics teacher Mr. Galvin said. “We did that in Vietnam for college graduates, and it felt like that really divided the country. Perhaps they could be put in places that might be better suited for them such as entertainment for the troops or something along those lines.”

Many feared that BTS’s hiatus might signal the end of the group, especially after Hybe–the management company of BTS–saw a sharp decline in stock value following the announcement. However, the members remained musically active during their military service through solo projects. RM released his album “Right Place, Wrong Person” and collaborated with rapper TABLO on the single “Stop The Rain.” Jin gifted fans his single “The Astronaut” in December 2022 before enlisting. Suga, performing under his alias Agust D, dropped his third album “D-Day” just months prior to enlisting and followed it with a solo world tour that included cities from Los Angeles to Jakarta. J-Hope released “Jack in the Box” and “Hope on the Street,” while Jimin released “Face,” Jungkook released “GOLDEN” and V shared his EP “Layover” along with singles like “FRI(END)S” and “Winter Ahead,” a duet with PARK HYO SHIN. 

“I really enjoyed ‘D-Day’ by August D, and my favorite song is ‘Haegum,’” senior Alna Babilson said. “It was highly anticipated when it came out.”

Music was not the only way BTS stayed connected with their fans. Jimin and Jungkook appeared in a travel reality show titled “Are You Sure?!” which premiered on August 8, 2024, and followed their adventures in New York, Jeju Island and Sapporo. Jungkook also starred in his own documentary called “I Am Still,” while RM was featured in “Right People, Wrong Place,” offering personal insights into their lives. The members continued to engage with fans on Weverse—a popular platform among K-pop idols—through regular posts and livestreams.

As aforementioned, Jin and J-Hope were the first members of BTS to return from their conscription. With the responsibility of being the only active members for a time, both took on a wide range of activities. To celebrate BTS’s 11th anniversary, Jin hosted a special event in Seoul where he hugged 1,000 fans. He has also released two albums, “Happy” and “Echo,” and launched his own reality show titled “Run Jin.” After his release, J-Hope announced a world tour and released two singles: “Sweet Dreams” featuring Miguel and “MONA LISA.” His next single, “Killin it Girl” featuring GloRilla, is scheduled to release on June 13.

“I think it’s pretty nice that Jin is putting the hard work in his career again and even after the military he’s trying to be active. There’s a lot of social standards he has to maintain, especially in Korea, so I hope he stays strong,” senior Emily Lin said. 

J-Hope believes their post-reunion projects will “be a massive energy.” With each member having carved out a unique artistic identity through their solo endeavors, the future sound of BTS remains open and unpredictable. While an official date for their full comeback—with new music and group performances—has yet to be announced, it is widely speculated to take place in 2026. In the meantime, group activities are unlikely in the summer of 2025, as Jin is set to kick off his solo tour, “Run Seokjin,” starting July 17 in Anaheim, California, shortly after Suga’s return.

“I think their collective music will back stronger and more unique as a result of their time solo,” senior Eliana Park said. 

The group renewed their contracts two years ago, though the expiration date of the new agreements has not been publicly disclosed. Despite the hiatus, BTS’s fanbase has remained loyal and engaged. Rather than marking an end, their time apart has set the stage for an exciting new chapter in the group’s journey.