As previously announced, RM and V left the military base, ending their 18-month military service on the morning of June 10. Fans were excited on this day to welcome the return of two more members. Four of the seven members of BTS have been discharged from the military!
At around 9 a.m. this morning, RM, who served in the Army's 15th Infantry Division Band, and V, who completed his military service in the 2nd Corps Military Police Special Task Force, met with reporters and ARMYs at Sinbuk-eup Sports Park in Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do.
RM performed a performance to celebrate his discharge by playing the saxophone, as he served in the military band. V waved to ARMYs while holding a bouquet prepared by HYBE.
After reporting their discharge from their unit and leaving the guard post, RM and V shared their first impressions with the media and sent sweet messages to fans.
RM said, "Hello, I am Sergeant Kim Namjoon of the 15th Infantry Division, serving in the Military Band and discharged today. It's good to see you! I have finally discharged but actually, we are serving out the shortest military enlistment period in history, aren't we".
He continued: "And so after doing this shortest military enlistment, and the conditions have improved a lot as well, and when I went in and, honestly, although there were many tough and difficult times, but I felt deeply that when we were working (as artists), there were many people who were protecting the country in our stead.
While we are working (as artists), many people at the front and in the back, protected our country and fought for us, and allowed us to grow and work. When I arrived, I actually became very close to my father and my friends.
I was a meaningful period where I was able to get closer to the former military service members around me. Actually, the remaining military servicemen weigh heavily on my mind. Please endure a bit more and return to society and it'd be great to see each other in good health."
He also expressed his gratitude to ARMY. RM said with a smile, "I want to say thank you so much to ARMYs for waiting. And I will come back and do my best to run hard again as society's RM. To everyone who together took care of us and waited for us, thank you very much. Thank you!"
Meanwhile, V began eloquently, "Hello. This is Sergeant Kim Taehyung, officially discharged from the military. Loyalty!". "For me, my time in the military was a period where I could really reflect on and reset both my mind and body. Now, I feel that I’ve rebuilt myself — physically and mentally — and I’m eager to return to ARMY as soon as possible.
To all the ARMYs who waited for me throughout my service, I want to sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. Just a little more patience, and we’ll be back with amazing performances", he shared.
V also showed special affection for the officers and subordinates still in his unit: "Also, as I mentioned earlier, many of the officers and fellow sol∂ιєrs who took good care of me are still serving in my unit. I truly hope they all stay safe and healthy, complete their training without injury, and make it to discharge smoothly.
To the Ssangyong Military Police Special Task Force, the Counter-Terrorism Special Task Force — thank you to the officers and sol∂ιєrs for treating me so well. I’ll do my best to become someone admirable in the world outside. Thank you. Salute!"
When reporters asked what they wanted to do most after their discharge, RM immediately chose performing. He said "I want to perform the most. I will work hard to quickly release an album and return to the stage".
V also expressed his determination by saying "I will quickly return to the stage" and "We will work hard as BTS RM and V again".
Witnessing the return of RM and V, fans burst into tears of happiness like the moment they welcomed Jin and j-hope's discharge last year. Fans shared similar sentiments such as: “Thank you for coming back healthy”, “BTS reunite and perform soon, my heart get fluttered”, “Finally the military service is over, welcome home”, “Let's only walk on the flowery road”, etc.
BTS's management company HYBE also celebrated the members' discharge by covering the exterior wall of the HYBE building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul with the official logos of BTS and ARMY along with the words "WE ARE BACK". This is part of the 'BTS FESTA' festival held with fans every year to celebrate BTS's debut anniversary, June 13, and the coverage will last until the 29th.
After RM and V, Jimin and Jungkook will complete their military service on the 11th. SUGA, who began his alternative service as a social service worker on September 22, 2023, will be discharged on the 21st.
