Get the complete breakdown of BTS’s military enlistment and discharge dates what happened, why it matters, and what fans can expect in 2026 as the full group reunites.
Introduction
If you’re an ARMY or just a curious music-fan, understanding the military service journey of BTS can feel like navigating a timeline of goodbyes, solo ventures, and hopeful returns. The South Korean law requires able-bodied men to serve in the military, and for a global phenomenon like BTS, that meant an unprecedented pause. By 2026, however, the path is clear: the group is readying for a full-scale comeback, and the enlistment dates are the roadmap.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the enlistment and discharge timeline of each BTS member, explain why it matters for the group’s future, break down what the “2026 moment” means, and give you the context so you can truly appreciate what’s been unfolding behind the scenes.
Why The Military Timeline Matters for BTS
For most K-pop groups, one member’s enlistment is a tough but manageable disruption. For BTS, however, the global impact, the scale of their fandom, and their scheduled world tours made the military service less of a personal break and more of a strategic hiatus. The stakes were high: fans worried about momentum, unity, and whether the group would return in full strength.
South Korea’s law states that all men between 18 and 28 must serve about 18-21 months (depending on role and exemptions). BTS opted not to seek full exemption despite their global status.That decision meant the group had to stagger enlistments, plan content ahead, and manage their brand while members were away.
Why 2026? Because all members are scheduled to finish their service by mid-2025, and their next phase—album, tour, full group activities—are projected for 2026. So knowing the timeline helps you track the group’s readiness, the comeback window, and what personal and collective milestones are in place.
BTS Military Enlistment & Discharge Timeline
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each member’s enlistment/discharge schedule and what it means:
| Member | Enlistment Date | Discharge Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jin | December 2022 | June 12 2024 | Elder member, first to enlist; paved way for others. |
| J‑Hope | April 18 2023 | October 17 2024 | Entered next; shorter gap between enlist/discharge. |
| Suga | September 22 2023 (social/public service) | June 21 2025 | Alternate service due to injury; last member to finish. |
| RM | December 11 2023 | June 10 2025 | Leader of group; key part of comeback planning. |
| V | December 11 2023 | June 10 2025 | Enlisted same day as RM; finished same day. |
| Jimin | December 12 2023 | June 11 2025 | Among the younger members; next wave. |
| Jung Kook | December 12 2023 | June 11 2025 | Youngest member; key to “full group” timeline. |
Key takeaway: By June 21, 2025, all seven members of BTS will have completed their service. And with that done, the stage is set for full-group activities in 2026.
What 2026 Holds: BTS Return & What Fans Should Expect
With the enlistment chapter closing, 2026 marks a very special year for BTS:
- Full group activities: No member left behind; the entire septet is back.
- New album & world tour on the horizon — as confirmed by the group and agency.
- Brand and content ramp-up: Expect coordinated comebacks, massive media campaigns, anniversary-celebrations (their 14th debut anniversary falls around June).
- Solo projects continue, but unified focus returns: While each member explored solo work during enlistment, 2026 will refocus energy on the collective.
For ARMY and global media alike, 2026 isn’t just another year — it’s the reunion year. So if you’re mapping out your fandom, travel, concert budgeting, or even social-media countdowns, this timeline is your roadmap.
Why This Timeline Is More Than Dates
Many might look at enlistment charts and see nothing more than “members go in, members come out.” But for BTS, each date carries deeper meaning:
- Sacrifice and duty: Every member willingly fulfilled service despite global status. That decision reinforced their image as humble and responsible.
- Strategic pause: Instead of chaos, the staggered schedule kept BTS visible (through solos, pre-recorded content) and kept the brand intact.
- Emotional investment: Fans followed journeys, held countdowns, and now anticipate the return with a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and hope.
- Industry significance: A global act managing mandatory service is unprecedented. The way BTS navigated this may set a blueprint for future artists.
When you mark June 10-21, 2025 (those crucial discharge dates), you’re not just noting “members free” — you’re witnessing the end of a chapter and the start of a new era.
Common Questions About BTS’s Military Service & Timeline
Q1: Why did BTS members enlist at different times instead of all together?
A1: To stagger the hiatus and manage group continuity. Enlisting simultaneously could have meant a longer full-group break.
Q2: Is military service finished for all BTS members?
A2: Yes — by June 21 2025 all seven are expected to have completed their service.
Q3: When is BTS expected to make a full comeback as a group?
A3: While some solo activity may continue, most reports indicate major group activities will ramp in 2026.
Q4: How long is the service period in South Korea?
A4: It typically ranges around 18-21 months depending on branch and conditions.
Q5: Did military enlistment affect BTS’s music or brand?
A5: Yes and no. It paused regular group activities, but they used the hiatus for solo work, evergreen content, and fan engagement. The brand remained strong.
Q6: What can fans do while waiting for the 2026 comeback?
A6: Use the timeline to plan: revisit past hits, support solo projects, join countdowns, keep an eye on album announcements, and stay updated with fan-events.
Conclusion: Setting the Countdown to Mid-2026
The military enlistment timeline of BTS isn’t just a backstage scheduling detail — it’s a pivotal chapter in the story of one of music’s biggest groups. Every enlistment date, every discharge milestone, every pause in activities built momentum for what comes next.
By mid-2025, all members will have served. By 2026, BTS should be back in full force. If you’re an ARMY, a music fan, or just fascinated by how global pop operates, now is the time to mark your calendar and prepare.
Here’s to the reunion, the new album, the tour, the lights, the voices — the septet stepping back into the world as one. Stay ready. The countdown is on. 💜
