On June 10, 2025, South Korean K-Pop sensations RM and V, members of the globally renowned band BTS, officially completed their mandatory military service, marking a significant milestone for the group and their fans worldwide. The duo was discharged after serving 18 months in the South Korean armed forces, a duty that all able-bodied men in the country must fulfill by the age of 30. This event not only signals the gradual return of BTS to the music scene but also highlights the complex interplay between national service obligations and the careers of international superstars.
The discharge ceremony took place at a military base in Chuncheon, where hundreds of eager fans gathered early in the morning to welcome RM, 30, and V, 29. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation, as the two youngest members of BTS saluted amid cheers and applause. According to the Yonhap news agency, RM reflected on the experience, stating, "There were many difficult and hard times, but through military life, it became clear to me that we could actively pursue our careers because people at the front and at home protected our country." This sentiment underscores the deep respect BTS members hold for their national duties despite the sacrifices involved.
RM and V began their military service in December 2023, joining the ranks of their fellow bandmates who have been fulfilling their conscription obligations in stages. Prior to their discharge, two other members, Jin and J-Hope, had completed their service in 2024. Meanwhile, Jimin and JungKook are slated for discharge on June 12, 2025, and Suga, who opted for social service as an alternative to traditional military duty, is expected to finish later in the month. With all seven members set to reunite this year, fans are buzzing with excitement over the group's anticipated comeback.
In South Korea, military service is compulsory for all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28, a policy rooted in the country's geopolitical realities. While athletes, classical musicians, traditional performers, and dancers may receive exemptions or special considerations, K-Pop idols like BTS are not granted such privileges. This has been a subject of heated public debate, especially given BTS's immense cultural and economic impact. Ultimately, the band's management confirmed in 2022 that all members would fulfill their duties, emphasizing their commitment to national service despite the potential career interruptions.
BTS's contribution to South Korea extends far beyond music. The government estimates that the band has generated several billion dollars for the national economy, positioning them as a significant economic force. Their success has helped elevate South Korea's cultural presence on the global stage, making their military service and subsequent return to the spotlight a matter of both national pride and international interest.
Following their discharge, RM and V expressed eagerness to return to their musical careers. Speaking to the press, they shared plans to work diligently on a new album, aiming to perform again as soon as possible. This announcement has only intensified fan anticipation, who have patiently awaited the group's reunion after the extended hiatus necessitated by conscription.
The military service obligation has undeniably imposed a temporary pause on BTS's unprecedented trajectory. Rumors of a possible disbandment surfaced during this period, but these were consistently denied by the members and their management. Instead, the band's approach reflects a balance between honoring civic responsibilities and maintaining their artistic ambitions.
Amidst the BTS news, other cultural and political stories have also captured attention. For instance, Karl Lauterbach, the former German Health Minister and an avid table tennis enthusiast, recently lost his privilege to play in the ministry's basement after his successor, Nina Warken, revoked the special permission without explanation. Lauterbach lamented to the Bild newspaper that he would have liked to continue playing there, noting that the basement location meant he did not disrupt any ministry activities.
In the United States, rapper Doechii voiced strong criticism of former President Donald Trump’s deployment of military forces in Los Angeles to suppress protests against his migration policies. Speaking at the BET Awards in Los Angeles, the 26-year-old artist condemned what she described as "reckless attacks causing fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order." She urged the public to consider the implications of a government that uses military intervention against citizens exercising their democratic right to protest, poignantly asking, "What kind of government is this?"
Meanwhile, actor Adam Brody, known for his role in the early 2000s teen series "O.C. California," reflected on the challenges of fame in the social media era. In an interview with Variety, Brody described social media as a "minefield" where fame carries "an incredible responsibility," with one's life potentially ruined in an instant. He expressed admiration for younger celebrities who navigate these pressures courageously and ethically.
In Germany, First Lady Elke Büdenbender announced her retirement from judicial service after 30 years as a judge, including intermittent periods. Although stepping away from the judiciary in June 2025, she plans to continue supporting her husband, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, in his remaining years in office and to focus on her duties at Bellevue Palace.
Returning to BTS, their military service journey reflects broader societal themes in South Korea: the tension between individual aspirations and collective responsibilities, the cultural significance of conscription, and the global reach of Korean pop culture. As RM and V step back into civilian life, the world watches eagerly, ready to welcome the band’s next chapter and celebrate their return to music after a well-earned and dutiful pause.
