Seoul: BTS member Suga, also known by his birth name Min Yoongi, has officially concluded his mandatory military service, becoming the final member of the globally renowned K-pop group to do so. His discharge marks the end of BTS’ enlistment break, bringing the full group one step closer to their long-awaited reunion.

Unlike his bandmates who served in the army, Suga fulfilled his duties as a social service agent—an alternative form of South Korea’s military service. Due to prior health concerns, including shoulder surgery and chronic ear issues, he had been deemed "unfit for the regular combat duty," leading to his assignment in a non-combatant, civil service role.

Suga released his debut solo album D-Day in April 2023, shortly before his enlistment. The album was the final part of a trilogy that began with the mixtapes Agust D (2016) and D-2 (2020). Unlike some of his bandmates, Suga did not release new material during his service, but fans continued to stream his music, keeping it visible on global charts.

Service timeline and discharge

Suga began his service on September 22, 2023, following the conclusion of his Agust D world tour. According to AP news, he utilised his remaining leave earlier this week, effectively completing his service on June 18. The discharge was made official on Saturday, June 21, according to BTS' label BigHit Music.

As per BigHit, no special discharge events were arranged in light of concerns over fan gatherings and potential overcrowding. Suga did not exit a military base like other BTS members and made no public appearance, as he was not stationed at a formal military post.

Message to fans

Instead, the 32-year-old shared the news of his return through a heartfelt message on Weverse. Reports suggest that his first appearance as a civilian may come via a live stream from the HYBE office.

Fans, long awaiting his return, flooded social media with messages such as “YOONGI IS HOME”, “YOONGI CAME HOME”, “KING AGUST D IS BACK”, and “BTS IS 7”, making Suga trend globally. The moment has been especially emotional for the BTS ARMY, as his discharge symbolises the completion of a 21-month chapter that all seven members have now fulfilled.

Mandatory service and the BTS exemption debate

Under South Korea’s conscription law, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 must complete 18 to 21 months of military service, primarily as a deterrent against North Korea. Although the law allows exemptions for elite athletes and classical performers, no such exception applies to K-pop idols. In 2020, however, BTS were granted permission to delay enlistment until age 30 after a revision in the Military Service Act.

A contentious debate ensued in 2022 about whether BTS should receive exemption altogether, but the matter was resolved in October of that year when BigHit confirmed that all seven members would complete their service.

BTS reunion

With his return, all members of BTS—Jin, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, Jungkook, Kim Taehung and now Suga—have officially completed their service. Jin was the first to be discharged in June 2024, followed by J-Hope in October. RM and V were discharged last week, with Jimin and Jungkook exiting a day later. Six members served in the army, while Suga served as a public service worker.

Now that all enlistments are behind them, BTS is expected to reunite for a full-group comeback in March 2026. While BigHit has not confirmed specifics, reports suggest the band is already collaborating with top producers and may release a pre-comeback project or single ahead of their official return.

(With inputs from AP)