BTS Is Back! Global Media Highlights the End of Military Service and Anticipated Comeback of K-pop Legends On June 21st, all seven members of BTS officially completed their mandatory military service, marking a highly anticipated moment not only for Korean fans but for the global K-pop community. The last member, SUGA, who had been serving as a social service worker since September 2023, was discharged, signaling the official end of the group’s so-called “military hiatus.” As expected, international media outlets were quick to react. Major global news platforms such as AP, The New York Times, Hollywood Reporter, and the BBC reported the news in detail, underscoring BTS’s influence on the global music industry and the K-pop wave at large. https://www.chosun.com/culture-life/culture_general/2025/06/21/ZQEN7QINLJEZ7CMO3GLPKJ5LYQ/?utm_source=naver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=naver-news “A Monumental Moment for ARMY” The Associated Press (AP) described June 21st as “a monumental day for BTS fans,” spotlighting the group's plans to reunite by the end of this year. AP not only highlighted BTS’s military completion but also published a dedicated feature article titled “What You Need to Know About BTS After the Military.” The outlet praised the members' consistent global impact through solo projects, noting that the so-called hiatus felt less like a break and more like a transition. https://sports.donga.com/ent/article/all/20250621/131853198/1 “K-pop Superstars Are Back” Entertainment outlet Hollywood Reporter declared on June 18th, “The K-pop superstars are finally back,” referencing the group’s symbolic reunion on June 13th for their 12th debut anniversary. Meanwhile, The New York Times focused on the emotional fan scenes around BTS’s military discharge. The article painted vivid images of international fans traveling to Korea and participating in the fan festival BTS Festa held in Goyang. The Times even compared BTS’s return to the post-service comeback of American icon Elvis Presley, underscoring the group’s legendary status. https://biz.chosun.com/international/international_general/2025/06/21/BVQI7ZY7LJHXZK64QNIUD467XE/?utm_source=naver&utm_medium=original&utm_campaign=biz “Even Breathing the Same Air Feels Special” BBC provided live coverage from the Festa venue, capturing the voices of global fans. One Brazilian fan, Stephanie Prado, who moved to Korea out of love for BTS, shared: “I missed them so much. I hope they get some rest, but as a fan, I also hope for new albums and concerts.” Another fan from the Netherlands, Para Allah, said, “Traveling across the world to be surrounded by everything BTS-related is absolutely worth it. Just breathing the same air, drinking the same water, eating the same food as BTS is enough for us ARMY.” https://www.dailian.co.kr/news/view/1513163/?sc=Naver The Key to K-pop’s Revival? In a deeper analysis, BBC noted that BTS’s comeback could play a crucial role in revitalizing the K-pop industry. During BTS’s absence, signs of stagnation emerged—K-pop album sales began to slow after peaking in 2023, and internal disputes, such as the one involving girl group NewJeans and their label ADOR, raised concerns. BBC stated, “These developments explain why so many people have been waiting for BTS’s return. The industry is looking to them to inject new energy and lead the way forward.” https://www.joongang.co.kr/article/25342152 Surprise Reunion and Warm Reflections Earlier this month, on June 13th, several recently discharged members made a surprise appearance at j-hope’s encore concert “HOPE ON THE STREET FINAL.” While Jin and Jungkook performed on stage, RM, V, Jimin, and SUGA supported from the audience, giving fans a moving glimpse of the group’s upcoming full return. RM, speaking to fans after his discharge, said, “Serving in the military made me appreciate BTS’s activities even more.” V added, “It was a time to reset both physically and mentally. I’m ready to return to the stage.” With all seven members finally back, the countdown to BTS’s next chapter has officially begun—and the world is watching. #BTS #방탄소년단 #ARMY #아미 #BTSComeback #컴백 #FullReturn #완전체 #MilitaryHiatusEnd #군백기종료 #SUGADischarged #슈가전역 #RMReturned #RM전역 #VReturned #뷔컴백 #JiminReturned #지민컴백 #JinReturned #진전역 #jhopeReturned #제이홉전역 #JungkookReturned #정국전역 #BTSFESTA #페스타 #KpopLegacy #케이팝 #GlobalPhenomenon #글로벌열풍 All rights reserved Stay14 Bespoke
