BTS member Jin completed his military service and was discharged from the army on Wednesday morning as the first of the K-pop megaband to return to civilian life.
Jin, who was the first member to enlist in December 2022, served as an instructor at the recruit training battalion of the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi.
All BTS members except Suga came to greet Jin and celebrate his discharge. J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook are on active duty, while Suga is serving as a social service agent.
RM, who serves in the military band, brought his saxophone and played the hit song “Dynamite” (2020) to welcome their oldest member.
Jin waved to the press with a relaxed expression, holding a bouquet prepared by the members.
Fans instead sent their regards through placards and buses wrapped with images of BTS and Jin that were placed around the training center. Balloons celebrating his discharge were also visible from afar, according to media reports.
The placards were filled with affectionate messages such as “Seokjin, you did great for 548 days, we will stay by your side with unwavering love,” “You did well, Seokjin, now ARMY will protect you,” “Super soldier Kim Seok-jin, loved by the Earth and cheered on by the universe, let’s be together with ARMY forever!” and “Welcome back to ARMY.”
Jin will attend the 2024 Festa, an offline event and debut anniversary celebration, at Seoul Jamsil Gymnasium in Songpa District in southern Seoul, meeting fans on Thursday afternoon, just a day after his discharge.
To find out more about Jin, visit Celeb Confirmed!
BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]
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