On Wednesday, K-pop sensation Jin of BTS was released from his South Korean military duty. His other band members embraced him and RM played a hit song on the saxophone to commemorate the occasion.
Since 2022, the seven members of the most successful boy band in the world have been on a self-described “hiatus” from conducting their national duty, which is mandatory for all men under 30 in South Korea because of tensions with the nuclear-armed North.
Early on Wednesday, band members J-hope, V, RM, Jungkook, and Jimin greeted the oldest member of the group, Jin, who also happened to be the first to join, as he emerged from the gates of his army base in the northern Yeoncheon county of South Korea.
The bandmates, who have reportedly taken leave from duties to mark the day, presented a beaming Jin, still in his military uniform, with a giant bouquet of flowers, as they all hugged while RM played the saxophone, blasting out the hook of BTS’s mega-hit “Dynamite”.
Fans had hung colourful banners outside the base, with one reading: “Seok-jin you did so well for the last 548 days. We’ll stand by you with our unwavering love,” referring to the star by his full first name.
A massive balloon bearing the words, “Globally attractive Seok-jin! Greetings on your release.”
Yeoncheon County displayed a banner with the following text: “BTS Jin, For us, the past year and a half has been joyful. You won’t be forgotten by Yeoncheon!”
Only a few supporters were visible outside the camp early on Wednesday, despite pleas from fans not to come.
“Although my hands were shaking and my muscles stiffened, I was so happy to see him,” said Natose Sunagawa, a 19-year-old from Tokyo.
Holding a plush doll of Jin, and with a keyring of Jin’s face on her purse, she said she came because she “wanted to meet him so bad.”
“As all BTS members haven’t finished their military service, I believe Jin will release solo materials I wish to buy his solo albums and go to the concerts,” said Sunagawa, wiping away her tears.
