Duty done: K-pop’s top boyband is reunited

BTS is often referred to as the “biggest boy band in the world” and has a legion of passionate fans. The break began in 2022, the year after they were named the world’s bestselling artists for the second year in a row by the IFPI, a music industry body.

When band members RM and V celebrated their official military discharge this month, they were met by large crowds and gave an impromptu performance.

No such events were planned for the discharge of Suga, who worked in social services. “Overcrowding can pose safety risks, so we sincerely ask our fans not to visit the sites in person,” said HYBE, the entertainment company behind the band. Instead fans celebrated with street banners and bus adverts.

All able-bodied men in South Korea are mandated to complete about two years of military service. While some athletes and classical musicians have been given exemptions in the past, BTS members were only given the option to delay theirs and were forced to pause their careers at the height of their stratospheric popularity.

It’s not just the fans who will be eagerly awaiting news of their return. According to a report from the Hyundai Research Institute in 2018, before their hiatus, the band generated more than $4bn for South Korea in annual economic impact.

The band is expected to make a comeback with a new album later this year or early next year, though HYBE told The Observer that no official announcement has been made.

That’s not stopped them organising BTS Festa, an annual celebration of the group’s debut album, which fans, including Rym Mchirgui from Canada, have travelled to from around the world.

“They bring us so much joy,” she said, adding that it was special to be in South Korea at the time of their discharge. “We are excited and mentally preparing to fight for tickets for the next tour.”

Jolina Panis travelled from the Philippines. “After growing up with them for so many years, seeing them return as a full group feels like a piece of my heart is back,” she said.

“In a world that’s been so heavy lately, their music and message are exactly the kind of hope and healing we need.”

Photograph by Lee Jin-man/AP