SEOUL, South Korea: Two members of the South Korean pop band BTS completed their mandatory 18-month military training on Tuesday while announcing their desire to start performing again as early as possible.
Hundreds of fans gathered at a site near the two army bases where band leader RM, recently named “Favourite K-pop Artist” at the American Music Awards, and singer V were separately released from military training.
Fans cheered as the BTS members emerged from different vehicles, embracing each other warmly.
RM played a lively tune on the saxophone, while V stood nearby, smiling and holding bunches of flowers.
“What we want most right now is to perform again,” RM, still wearing his army uniform, told reporters and fans after his discharge.
“We’re working hard on the new album so we can return to the stage as soon as possible.”
“Since returning, I’ve grown closer with my father and old friends — many of whom had already completed their military service,” he added.
V said military service was “a time for me to reset and rebuild both my body and mind”. “Now that I’ve done that, I truly want to run straight to ARMY as soon as possible,” he said, referring to the band’s official fandom name.
It is pertinent to mention that this week, four BTS members will complete their service.
Two were discharged last year, and the final member, SUGA — who has been working as a social service agent for alternative non-active duty service, will complete his training later this month.
Prior to their mandatory military service, the boy band generated more than $4 billion in yearly economic impact, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.
That accounts for roughly 0.2% of South Korea’s total GDP, according to official data.
