Jin, the eldest member of BTS, celebrated his discharge from South Korea’s mandatory military service with a special event for fans at Seoul’s Jamsil Sports Complex.
The event featured two main attractions:
- 1,000 lucky fans won a raffle for hugs with Jin. Videos flooded social media of ecstatic fans receiving their brief moment with the star.
- A performance by Jin capped off the day for a total of 4,000 fans.
International fans, known as ARMY, traveled from all over the world to attend the BTS Festa event.
Military Service Hiatus Ends for Jin, But Continues for Other Members
Jin’s return marks the beginning of the end of a mandated hiatus for BTS. South Korea requires most men to serve for 18 months, but a 2020 law allows pop stars to defer until 30. The other six members of BTS are still serving.
Devoted fans, like Mim Cheenchanya from Thailand who won a hug, expressed their love for BTS and their desire to see the group perform together again soon.
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BTS: A Global Phenomenon
BTS’s immense popularity as a global music group:
- No. 1 singles in over 100 countries
- Billboard Music Awards
- Time Magazine’s Entertainer of the Year (2020)
- Multiple American Music Awards (2021)
- First K-Pop act nominated for a Grammy (2021)
Beyond Music: BTS as Fashion Icons
BTS’s influence in fashion:
- Louis Vuitton brand ambassadors (2021)
- Custom Dior stagewear (2019 tour)
- Individual members in luxury fashion campaigns
With Jin’s return, fans eagerly anticipate BTS’s full reunion expected around 2025.