SEOUL — Suga, a key member of the global K-pop phenomenon BTS, has been discharged from mandatory military service, marking the final step in the group’s collective military commitment, the band’s management agency confirmed Wednesday.
Big Hit Entertainment announced that Suga completed his alternative military service on Wednesday and will be officially discharged Saturday. The agency opted against hosting a public release event to prevent potential overcrowding.
Suga, who served as a social service agent, joins the other six BTS members in completing their military duties. The group’s military service journey has been closely watched by millions of fans worldwide.
The 18-to-21-month military service is compulsory for able-bodied South Korean men between 18 and 28, designed to maintain national defense preparedness against potential threats from North Korea.
BTS members began their military service in phases, with Jin, the group’s oldest member, discharged in June 2024, and J-Hope following in October. RM and V were released last week, with Jimin and Jung Kook discharged shortly after.
The group has indicated plans to reunite as a complete ensemble sometime in 2025, offering hope to their global fanbase known as ARMY.
The band’s military service came after a 2020 legal revision allowing K-pop artists to defer enlistment until age 30, following extensive public discourse about potential exemptions for the internationally acclaimed group.
