Entertainment Desk 

BTS members RM and V have officially completed their mandatory military service in South Korea, becoming the latest members of the group to be discharged.

The two idols saluted fans as they were released Tuesday in Chuncheon City, greeted by about 200 supporters — some of whom traveled from countries like Mexico, Turkey, and Brazil.

Reina Lorena Quintero Sevilla, who flew nearly 18 hours from Mexico City, shared her excitement: “It didn’t feel that long because we were just thrilled to be here, to witness the boys’ discharge, and to be in the homeland of the idols we love.”

RM and V enlisted in December 2023, joining other members who had already begun their service. Jin, the eldest member, completed his duty in June 2024, while J-Hope finished in October. Jimin and JungKook are expected to be discharged on Wednesday.

Suga is fulfilling his conscription through an alternative service as a social service agent and is expected to finish later this month.

The group is expected to reunite sometime in 2025, once all members have completed their service.

South Korea mandates military service of 18–21 months for all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28, as a measure against threats from North Korea. While exemptions exist for athletes and artists who win major awards and bring national recognition, K-pop stars do not qualify.

However, a revision to the Military Service Act allowed K-pop idols to delay enlistment until the age of 30. Though there was significant public debate over whether BTS should receive special treatment, their agency announced in 2022 that all members would serve.