BTS′ RM, V Discharged: ′Time to Return to the Stage′

BTS' RM, V Discharged: 'Time to Return to the Stage': K-POP / 연합뉴스 / 2025-06-10 10:05:03

▲ BTS' RM (L) and V are discharged from the military service and greet fans at the Shinbuk-eup Sports Park soccer field in Yulmun-ri, Shinbuk-eup, Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, on June 10, 2025. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- BTS members RM, 31, and V, 30, have finally completed their mandatory military service and returned to civilian life on Tuesday.

Following their discharge from their respective units, RM and V greeted fans at the Shinbuk-eup Sports Park soccer field in Yulmun-ri, Shinbuk-eup, Chuncheon, Gangwon Province.

As the two exited their vehicles around 9 a.m. and shared a light hug, the crowd erupted with cheers. RM, wearing sunglasses, appeared while playing the original soundtrack (OST) of the anime Detective Conan on the saxophone. V showed up beaming, holding large bouquets of flowers in both hands.

▲ BTS' RM and V are discharged from the military service and greet fans at the Shinbuk-eup Sports Park soccer field in Yulmun-ri, Shinbuk-eup, Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, on June 10, 2025. (Yonhap)

RM, the group’s leader, expressed his feelings, saying, “What I want most is to perform again. I’ll work on a new album and return to the stage as soon as possible. No more returning to the base — I’ll be returning to the stage soon. We’ll greet you once again as BTS’s RM and V.”

He added, “We served what is now one of the shortest periods of mandatory service, and the overall conditions have improved a lot. Although there were many tough and difficult times, I learned through military life how others serve and protect our country, allowing us to pursue our careers actively. I want to thank our fans for waiting for us.”

V shared, “The military was a time to reflect and reset my body and mind. I rebuilt myself, physically and mentally. I want to run to ARMY as soon as possible. Please wait just a little longer — I promise we’ll return with an amazing performance.”

He also conveyed a heartfelt message: “I hope the remaining soldiers complete their service safely and without injury. I’ll strive to live as a good and admirable person in society.”

Hundreds of domestic and international ARMYs had gathered from early morning near the military bases and the soccer field where the discharge event was held, holding placards and lightsticks to celebrate the occasion.

Along the route to V’s unit in the 2nd Corps Special Mission Battalion, banners and lamppost signs bore messages such as “We missed you,” “Congratulations on your discharge,” and “Welcome back.” The area was also adorned with BTS’s signature color — purple — through vibrant ribbon decorations in front of the base.

Above the soccer field, a large ad balloon floated with the message: “V is back. Congratulations on your discharge, Taehyung. We support your new beginning.” Several colorful, large tour buses wrapped with V’s image surrounded the venue.

Gann Twano (39) from the Philippines said, “I’m a BTS fan, and my younger sister and I came to Chuncheon on the 7th. I’m looking forward to what BTS will do next now that they’re returning from military service.”

Numerous foreign media outlets were also on-site to capture footage of the discharge event.

RM and V enlisted in December 2023 as active-duty soldiers, with RM serving in the 15th Infantry Division’s military band and V in the 2nd Corps military police special mission unit.

Previously, Jin and J-Hope completed their service in June and October 2023, respectively. Jimin and Jungkook are set to be discharged the following day, on the 11th, while Suga is expected to complete his service on the 21st.