Hundreds of fans gathered early in the morning to see K-pop stars Jimin and Jung Kook. They are the last members of BTS to finish their required military service in South Korea.

On Wednesday, the two wore their military uniforms, saluted, and spoke to the fans who had gathered to see them after they were discharged from the service.

Jung Kook thanked the journalists and fans who came to see him and Jimin after they finished their military service. He said it felt strange to be back in the public eye. He admitted, "It's been a long time since I was in front of cameras, and I didn't even put on makeup, so I feel a bit shy. I don't really know what to say."

They commenced their military service in December 2023, merely a day after RM and V, who were subsequently discharged on Tuesday.

Fans from all over the world traveled to the public sports ground for the meet-and-greet. It was moved from the military base entrance because of safety concerns. Buses with pictures of the BTS members were parked along the streets, and red and yellow balloons floated above. A decorated food truck also offered free coffee and water, which added to the festive atmosphere.

Many fans wore masks because the band's record company had advised against attending due to safety concerns, and they were worried about negative reactions. Despite these problems, fans like Anaesi from Portugal believed their 20-hour journey to Yeoncheon, a town near the North Korean border, was worth it.

Anaesi, who discovered BTS on YouTube, said, "Portugal is a small country, but in Portugal, BTS is like a king." She explained that the group helped her with her depression, saying, "So for me, BTS is my angel." She showed a colorful tattoo on her upper arm. It had a golden shield with "ARMY" and an eagle above it. There was also Korean writing with the names of BTS members and her friends.

V thanked fans on Tuesday for waiting patiently for him and RM to come back, suggesting that the band would reunite. He added, "If you can just wait a little longer, we will return with a really amazing performance."

The seven singers from the well-known K-pop band are planning a reunion in 2025, after they complete their mandatory service.

Six of the group's seven members have already completed their military service. Suga, the seventh member, is currently doing his service as a social service agent, which is a different way to fulfill military duties. He will finish this service later this month.

Jin, the eldest member of BTS, completed his military service in June 2024, with J-Hope following suit in October.

In South Korea, all healthy men between 18 and 28 years old must do 18 to 21 months of military service. This system is designed to prevent attacks from North Korea.

The law provides special exceptions for athletes, classical musicians, and dancers if they have won important awards and are thought to have improved the country's reputation. However, K-pop stars and other entertainers do not get these same benefits.

However, in 2020, BTS postponed their military service until they were 30. This happened after South Korea's National Assembly changed the Military Service Act, which allowed K-pop stars to delay joining the military.

In 2022, there was a lot of public discussion about whether BTS members should be allowed to skip military service. However, in October 2022, their management announced that all seven members would complete their service.