K-pop superstars Jimin and Jungkook of BTS were officially discharged from their mandatory military service in South Korea on June 11, 2025, marking a significant step towards the globally acclaimed group's full reunion. The duo, who enlisted together under the "Companion Soldiers" buddy system, completed their service at the Army's 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province. Their discharge was met with immense excitement from fans worldwide, with "Finally Free" trending online.

Upon their discharge, Jimin and Jungkook, dressed in their military uniforms, were greeted by their staff before meeting reporters. Described as radiating "maknae energy," they appeared a little shy, giggling with each other as they faced cameras for the first time in months. They also waved to the dedicated fans, known as ARMY, who had gathered near the discharge site since dawn, despite BIGHIT MUSIC's prior request for fans not to congregate in the area. The enthusiasm was palpable, with reports of mobile networks briefly crashing and satellite feeds facing interruptions near military bases due to the large crowds.

Both members took the opportunity to address their devoted fanbase. Jimin expressed his gratitude, stating, "First of all, to our ARMYs — from the COVID era to our military enlistment — it’s been quite a long time. Thank you so much for waiting for us. Now that we’ve been discharged, we’ll continue working on the big picture we’ve been drawing. We’ll do our best to prepare even better things to show you." Jungkook followed, thanking fellow soldiers and staff: "Yes, and to the sunbae soldiers who came before us, the soldiers still serving, our peers who left just before us, and the directors who worried—I mean, worked harder!!—than anyone as we lived and worked together, I just want to say thank you for taking such good care of us." They both hinted at sharing more detailed thoughts in an upcoming livestream. Jimin concluded emotionally, "These memories that I'm truly grateful for — I’ll cherish them in my heart for a long time."

The return of Jimin and Jungkook was met with an outpouring of emotion from ARMY. Fans gushed online over the duo's adorable and shy demeanor, with many expressing particular joy at seeing Jimin, who had reportedly not appeared on camera or shared updates since his enlistment. Videos and photos of their shy giggles quickly went viral across social media platforms.

Jimin and Jungkook are the fifth and sixth members of BTS to complete their military service. Their discharge followed closely after members RM and V, who were discharged on June 10, 2025. The group's eldest member, Jin, completed his service in June 2024, followed by J-Hope in October 2024. The final member, Suga, who is serving as a social service agent, is expected to be discharged on June 21, 2025. This will complete the enlistment cycle for all seven members, paving the way for their highly anticipated group activities.

BTS put their global music career on hiatus in 2022 to fulfill their national service obligations. Despite the hiatus, all seven members renewed their contracts with their agency HYBE in 2023, signaling their commitment to returning as a full group. The band is widely expected to reunite and resume group activities in 2025. Fans from around the world, some traveling hundreds of miles, have flocked to South Korea to celebrate these milestones. Anaisa Silva, 30, from Portugal, expressed her emotions saying, "I think I'm gonna cry," while Rosie Tanquilut, 64, from the Philippines, shared, "We couldn't sleep! We've been counting the days since they entered [the] military."

The reunion of BTS is a highly anticipated event not just for fans but also for the music industry and South Korea's economy. Before their hiatus, BTS reportedly generated over $4 billion annually, contributing significantly to the country's GDP. Industry analysts predict their comeback will trigger a major global impact across music streaming, album sales, and concert tours. Celebrations are already underway in Seoul, with banners proclaiming "WE ARE BACK" as fans also prepare for the group's 12th anniversary.