Suga, the final member of the globally renowned band BTS, has completed his national service, marking the end of a nearly 1,000-day hiatus for fans. Suga's return to civilian life has sparked excitement among the band's followers.
In a social media post on Saturday, Suga expressed gratitude to fans for their patience. His fellow members RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook were discharged last week, while Jin and J-Hope completed their service last year.
Despite the mounting excitement from fans, the band's agency has not yet disclosed any plans for a group comeback. Nevertheless, celebrations have already begun among some BTS supporters.
During the members' time in service, concerns arose regarding the potential decline of the group's popularity. Industry experts noted that male celebrities in South Korea often face challenges returning to the public eye post-service. However, cultural icon status may mitigate this risk for BTS.
Professor Kim Taeryong from the K-Culture and Story Contents Research Institute stated that BTS maintained its relevance by releasing pre-recorded content and engaging with fans on social media during their military service.
BTS debuted in 2013 and has since shattered numerous records, becoming the first K-pop group nominated for a Grammy. Their label evolved from a small agency to Hybe Entertainment, a key player in the South Korean music industry.
In South Korea, all men over 18 are typically required to serve in the military, with some exemptions. Pop stars are not among those exempt, and societal expectations dictate that men fulfill their military obligations.
Jin was the first band member to enlist in December 2022, leading to a pause in group activities. The group had previously announced plans for individual projects and indicated they would reunite around 2025.
Fans eagerly await details regarding a reunion. One devoted follower expressed that life has been significantly impacted by BTS's absence.
While other K-pop groups such as Blackpink, Seventeen, and NewJeans gained attention during BTS's hiatus, experts believe none have matched BTS's level of influence. Blackpink will embark on a tour in July, and NewJeans has faced legal controversies affecting their reputation.
Professor Chae noted there have been no notable newcomers in the K-pop scene recently, suggesting a strong fanbase could facilitate a successful comeback for BTS.
In his post, Suga acknowledged the unwavering support of fans and committed to repaying their love.
Suga also addressed past troubles, specifically an incident in 2024 involving alcohol use while operating an electric scooter. He expressed remorse for disappointing fans and acknowledged the pressure on celebrities to maintain a pristine public image.
Despite past controversies, experts believe BTS will be well-positioned for a successful reunion and sustained popularity.