BTS’s SUGA completes military service, paving way for group’s full return
SUGA, a member of global K-pop sensation BTS, will officially complete his mandatory military service on Saturday, marking the full return of all seven members of the group from South Korea’s national duty.
According to BTS’s agency HYBE and the Military Manpower Administration, SUGA’s service will conclude at exactly 11:59:59 p.m. Though he served as a social service agent a form of alternative military duty he effectively completed his responsibilities on Wednesday, having used up his remaining leave.
“I’ve missed you so much,” SUGA said in a heartfelt message to fans on Weverse, the group’s fan platform. “Above all else, I wanted to sincerely thank our fans who waited for me all this time.”
BTS, often referred to as South Korea’s most lucrative musical act, went on a group hiatus in 2022 as each member fulfilled their mandatory military service, a requirement for all able-bodied South Korean men under 30 due to ongoing tensions with North Korea.
With SUGA’s return, anticipation is growing for the group’s reunion and resumption of full-scale activities. Analysts predict HYBE’s operating profit will see a significant boost, with some forecasts estimating a 71% year-on-year increase, largely driven by a potential world tour.
“BTS’s reunion is crucial not only for HYBE but also for the global image of K-pop and South Korea,” said Grace Kao, a sociology professor at Yale University. “Their next tour might be their biggest yet.”
Before completing his service, SUGA contributed to a group that generated over 5.5 trillion won ($4 billion) annually in economic impact, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.
Meanwhile, other BTS members have already resumed public appearances: RM was seen at Art Basel in Switzerland as Samsung’s Art TV ambassador, while V attended a piano recital in Seoul alongside renowned filmmaker Park Chan-wook.
