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Jin, Oldest member of K-pop’s BTS, Finishes 18-Month Military Service in South Korea

Jin, the oldest member of BTS, was discharged from South Korea’s army after 18 months of service. He was greeted emotionally by fellow members, including RM, who played "Dynamite" on the saxophone.

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Nitish Verma
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Jin, Oldest member of K-pop’s BTS, Finishes 18-Month Military Service in South Korea

Jin, the oldest member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, was officially discharged from South Korea’s army on Wednesday after completing 18 months of mandatory national service. This milestone marks the first instance of a BTS member concluding their military duties, a requirement that had temporarily paused their music careers.

Dressed in his army uniform and a black beret, the  31-year-old Jin appeared visibly emotional as he embraced his fellow soldiers at a military base in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi province. Television footage captured the heartfelt moments, highlighting the strong bonds formed during his service. Jin's discharge was a significant event not only for him but also for his bandmates and fans worldwide.

Several BTS members currently serving in the military took leave to celebrate Jin's discharge. Among them was rapper RM, who greeted Jin with a saxophone performance of the group’s hit single “Dynamite.” This touching gesture underscored the close-knit relationship among the band members, even during their time apart.

Why It Matters : Jin's discharge is a pivotal moment for BTS and their global fanbase. The mandatory military service in South Korea requires all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve for 18 to 21 months. However, a 2020 revision allowed globally recognized K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until age 30. Jin's completion of his service sets a precedent for the remaining members, who are expected to finish their duties by 2025. This timeline aligns with the group's anticipated reunion, which fans eagerly await.

Jin is set to resume his activities with an event in Seoul on Thursday, where he will greet fans and perform as part of the annual FESTA, a celebration of BTS. This event marks the beginning of his post-military career and signifies the group's gradual return to the music scene.

Since their debut on June 13, 2013, BTS has become the face of K-pop, significantly contributing to South Korea’s cultural exports. Their influence extends beyond music, impacting global pop culture and fostering a dedicated international fanbase. Jin's return is a step towards the group's full comeback, which is highly anticipated by millions of fans worldwide.

The livestreams of Jin’s military discharge were watched by hundreds of thousands of people on YouTube, demonstrating the immense global interest in BTS and their activities. This level of engagement highlights the group's unparalleled popularity and the strong connection they maintain with their fans.

Jin's discharge from the military marks a significant milestone for BTS and their fans. As the first member to complete his service, Jin's return paves the way for the group's eventual reunion. With plans already in motion for his post-army activities, the anticipation for BTS's full comeback continues to build.

Key Takeaways

  • Jin, the oldest BTS member, has finished his 18-month mandatory military service.
  • Jin was greeted by fellow BTS members, including RM, who played "Dynamite" on the saxophone.
  • Jin's discharge sets a precedent for other BTS members currently serving.
  • Jin will kick off his post-military activities with an event in Seoul and a performance at FESTA.
  • Livestreams of Jin’s discharge were watched by hundreds of thousands, showcasing BTS's global influence.