The much-anticipated day has arrived for BTS and their global fanbase, ARMY, as members RM (Kim Namjoon) and V (Kim Taehyung) were officially discharged from their mandatory military service on June 10, 2025. The duo completed 18 months of service, having enlisted on December 11, 2023. Their return marks a significant milestone as BTS moves closer to reuniting as a full seven-member group, sparking excitement worldwide.

RM and V stepped out of their respective military bases at 9:00 AM KST (5:30 AM IST) on Tuesday morning, June 10, dressed in full military uniform. The scene was lively, with RM notably playing the saxophone, putting on a dramatic performance, while V was seen holding large floral bouquets and dancing to RM's tunes. They were met with a wave of cheers and applause from devoted fans and media who had gathered, despite appeals from their agency.

Ahead of the discharge, the band's agency, HYBE (and its music label Big Hit Music), had issued statements on the fan platform Weverse. They strongly urged fans not to visit the locations in person, citing safety concerns for both artists and fans, especially as other soldiers were also being discharged. Big Hit Music clarified, “No official events will be held, and each location has limited space, raising the risk of safety issues due to crowding.”

During their service, RM, born Kim Namjoon, served in the military band of the 15th Infantry Division based in Hwacheon. V, born Kim Taehyung, undertook a more demanding role, serving in the elite Special Duty Team (SDT) under the 2nd Corps Military Police in Chuncheon, a unit reserved for physically capable and highly trained individuals.

Shortly after their discharge, both members updated their fans on Instagram. RM shared three photos, simply captioning them "2023.12.11 ~ 2025.6.10," marking his enlistment and discharge dates. V also shared photos on his Instagram story, including one of them entering their military base and another of them hugging upon their return, with one picture bearing the same dates and the message, "Thank you for waiting ARMY."

Adding to the warm welcomes, V received a special greeting from the official social media account of the late music legend Bing Crosby. The account posted an AI-generated image of V and Crosby together, writing: "Welcome home, V! From one crooner to another, we're sending love and warm wishes as you return from the army." This referenced their posthumous duet on "White Christmas," released on December 6, 2024, which was Crosby's first new release in nearly five decades and blended V's jazz affinity with Crosby's iconic style.

The homecoming of RM and V signals the beginning of BTS’s gradual return to full group activities. Members Jimin and Jungkook are slated to complete their service the very next day, on June 11, 2025. Suga, who has been serving as a social service agent due to medical reasons, is expected to be discharged on June 21. Jin, the eldest member who was the first to enlist in 2022, is also due to rejoin the group imminently.

The timing of their return is symbolic, with BTS's annual FESTA celebration, marking the group's 12th anniversary, set for June 13. In Seoul, the HYBE headquarters building was wrapped with the slogan "WE ARE BACK," the official logo for the upcoming BTS FESTA, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of fans. Banners from fans outside the building expressed their joy with messages like, "Thank you for making even the waiting feel joyful." As the members themselves have said, "We are back!"

Regarding future group activities, HYBE has hinted at a BTS comeback this year. However, the agency has also stated that the members "need time for reflection and preparation." Lee Jae-sang, CEO of HYBE, mentioned in a March shareholders' meeting, "Normally, the process goes from song production to album release, then a tour. But since BTS have already become global top-tier artists, we are continuing discussions about their vision and what's next."

Fan excitement is palpable, with speculation building that all seven members might reunite publicly at the finale of J-Hope's "Hope on the Street" tour in Seoul. Adding to the anticipation, Jin has already announced his solo "Run Jin" fanmeet, and reports suggest Jungkook is gearing up for a solo tour. All signs point to a busy and exciting second half of 2025 for BTS and ARMY alike.