BTS

K-pop superstars RM and V from the band BTS have been discharged from South Korea’s military after fulfilling their mandatory military service.

They each saluted upon their release on Tuesday in Chuncheon City as about 200 fans, some of whom travelled from Mexico, Turkey and Brazil, cheered. RM and V began their service in December 2023, while three other BTS members – Jin, J-Hope and Suga – were already months into their conscription.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18 to 21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea.

The law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren’t subject to such privileges.

There was heated public debate over whether to offer special exemptions for BTS members, until the group’s management agency announced in 2022 that all seven members would fulfil their duties.