Photos: Jin Is Back, Completes Military Service

After 18 months, BTS‘ eldest member, Jin, has officially returned from his mandatory military service.

The 31-year-old is the first from the powerhouse K-pop group to complete his military duties after enlisting in December 2022. BTS’ agency, Big Hit Music, released a statement to fans via Weverse officially announcing Jin’s military discharge.

“Jin is close to completing his active service in the army and will soon be discharged,” the statement read. It also reminded fans that there were no special events in place and that discharge day was for military personnel only, urging fans to not visit the site to avoid any “any issues arising from overcrowding.”

Korean media waited outside, streaming live on air and online. Video from Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a major news outlet in Korea, showed Jin hugging his fellow soldiers as he prepared to exit the military site.

Shortly after, via the SBS stream, Jin was seen walking out of the military site, stopping to salute and pose for the waiting cameras and onlookers. He was then met with a bouquet of flowers and immediately embraced by almost all of his fellow group members, who are currently serving. The group’s leader, RM, set the mood with a saxophone rendition of BTS’ hit “Dynamite.”

In October 2022, Jin and his fellow group members – RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook – performed a massive free concert, titled “Yet to Come,” in Busan, South Korea. The concert, which was in support of Korean city’s bid for the 2030 World Expo, brought legions of ARMY – the name given to BTS’ loyal fanbase – from around the world.

Days after the performance, Big Hit Music, which is a subsidiary of Hybe Corp., announced that all seven members would be moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service, saying it was “the perfect time” and that group’s members were honored to serve.

Before enlisting, Jin released a solo single “The Astronaut.” In a video released at the beginning of the year, the singer asked fans to “wait just a bit more” and that he’ll be able to “start working hard soon.”

BTS is expected to reunite as a full group in 2025 when all seven members have been discharged.