K-pop star Jin from BTS ended more than 500 days of South Korean military service on Wednesday, crying tears of joy - with bandmates embracing him and one belting out a group hit on the saxophone to celebrate.
The seven members of the world's most popular boy band have been on a self-described "hiatus" since 2022 due to their military service, which South Korea requires of all men under 30 due to tensions with the nuclear-armed North.
Jin, the oldest in the group and the first to enter military service, emerged from the gates of his army base in South Korea's northern Yeoncheon county early on Wednesday, where he was met by bandmates J-Hope, V, RM, Jungkook, and Jimin.
The K-pop stars, who had 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." The message referred to the singer by his full first name.
A giant balloon flew in front with the message: "Worldwide handsome Seok-jin! Congratulations on your discharge."
Yeoncheon county put up its own banner that read: "BTS Jin, the last year and a half was a joy for us. Yeoncheon will not forget you!"
Fans had been urged not to show up, and there were only a couple of admirers present early on Wednesday outside the base.
"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.
BTS's official account on X posted a picture of the entire group celebrating Jin's discharge with a cake.
다녀왔습니다! pic.twitter.com/MpNo4Miio1
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) June 12, 2024
"I'm normally more handsome than this, but I cried when I was discharged. My eyes are puffy. I usually have confidence in my face, but I'm less confident today," said Jin in a livestream on Weverse, a superfan social media platform.
Showing off his certificates and commendations, Jin mentioned that he "did well" during his service and cried twice because he was so happy to be home.
His release comes just ahead of the 11th anniversary of the group's debut, with their agency HYBE's office in Seoul plus some local cafes decked out in purple decorations to mark the occasion.
Jin will participate in a "huggathon" on Thursday, where he will hug 1,000 fans who won a raffle held on Weverse, before giving his first performance in two years.
Jin said on Weverse that the "huggathon" was his idea and that he had "initially wanted to hug 3,000 fans" but had to agree to a smaller number after HYBE cited safety concerns.
"It is significant that Jin did his military service without any problem, since for a K-pop male idol serving in the military is the biggest issue" for their career, said Yoo Sung-man, an analyst at Leading Investment and Securities in Seoul.
"Jin's discharge is a positive sign for entertainment stock prices," he added.
HYBE's stock price has been hit by a dispute with the producer Min Hee-jin, the mastermind behind girlband NewJeans.
"Once Jin resumes his solo performances, it will definitely lead to an increase [in stock price]," Yoo told AFP.
"BTS accounts for a large proportion of profit in HYBE, it is very encouraging that the discharge of BTS members has begun," said Yoo.
The next BTS member to finish military service will be J-Hope, who will be discharged in October. The rest of the band will complete their service in June 2025.
Source: AFP
