A comeback of BTS is expected now that Suga, the final BTS member to complete his military service, has been discharged. Unlike other members, Suga’s discharge was not publicly celebrated due to overcrowding concerns.
Suga, the last member of the K-Pop group BTS to complete his mandatory military service with the South Korean army, was discharged on Saturday, opening the way for the band’s reunion.
Suga started his service in 2023. Earlier this month, BTS members Jimin and Jung Kook were also discharged from their duties.
“We confirm that Suga effectively completed his alternative service on June 18 by using his remaining leave. His official discharge date is June 21,” BTS’ label, Big Hit Music, said in a statement.
He completed his military duty as a social service agent. Unlike other members, Suga’s discharge was not celebrated with the public, amid fears of overcrowding.
What did Suga say to his fans?
After his release from the national service, Suga posted a message on fan community platform Weverse.
“Above all else, I wanted to… sincerely thank our fans who waited for me all this time,” SUGA told the group’s fans — collectively known as ARMY.
He also said he was “sorry for the disappointment and concern caused by what happened last year,” extending his apology to his bandmates.
Last year, Suga was fined 15 million won ($11,500; €9,978) by a court for drunk driving while on an electric scooter.
BTS comeback long awaited
Suga’s discharge fills fans with anticipation for a comeback of South Korea’s most celebrated band that has been on a self-described “hiatus” since 2022 as its members undertook the mandatory service, in place amid growing tensions with the North.
Before their “hiatus”, the megaband generated over 5.5 trillion won (roughly $4 billion) in yearly economic impact, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.
BTS is expected to hold its largest-ever world tour in 2026, an NH Securities entertainment analyst said in a report.
Details of a reunion have yet to be released.
Edited by: Rana Taha
DW News
