Seoul: BTS member Suga has officially completed his mandatory military service with the South Korean army, marking a significant milestone for the globally acclaimed K-Pop group. Suga, the final member of BTS to fulfill this obligation, was discharged on Saturday, which has sparked anticipation for the band's much-awaited comeback.
According to Deutsche Welle, Suga's discharge did not involve public celebrations, in contrast to previous BTS members, due to concerns over potential overcrowding. Suga began his service in 2023, and earlier this month, fellow members Jimin and Jung Kook were also released from their duties. Following his discharge, Suga expressed gratitude to fans via the fan community platform Weverse, thanking them for their patience and support during his service.
Suga also addressed an incident from the previous year, where he was fined 15 million won for drunk driving on an electric scooter. He apologized for any disappointment and concern caused, extending his apologies to both fans and his bandmates.
The completion of Suga's military service has fueled excitement among fans for the return of BTS, which has been on a self-described "hiatus" since 2022 due to the members' military commitments, amid increasing tensions with North Korea. Before the hiatus, BTS significantly contributed to South Korea's economy, generating an annual economic impact of over 5.5 trillion won, as reported by the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.
Furthermore, an NH Securities entertainment analyst has projected that BTS is preparing for its largest-ever world tour in 2026. However, specific details regarding the band's reunion and future plans have yet to be disclosed.