SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Suga, a rapper and songwriter in the global K-pop sensation BTS, has been discharged from South Korea’s mandatory military service, marking the official return of all seven members from their enlistment duties.
The label confirmed that Suga completed his alternative service duties on Wednesday after using up his remaining leave. His official discharge date is Saturday.
BTS’ management agency, Big Hit Entertainment, had said earlier that no events were planned for Suga’s release out of concern for overcrowding.
It is a momentous occasion for fans of the The seven singers of the popular K-pop band plan to reunite as a group sometime in 2025 now that they've finished their service.
Last week, BTS superstars and were discharged from South Korea’s military after fulfilling their mandatory service. and were . All four were .
Six of the group’s seven members served in the army, while as a social service agent, an alternative form of military service.
Jin, the oldest BTS member, was discharged . J-Hope was .
In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18-21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea.
The law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren’t subject to such privileges.
However, in 2020, BTS postponed their service until age 30 after South Korea’s ´ºÉ«Ö±²¥ Assembly revised its Military Service Act, allowing K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until age 30.
There was heated public debate in 2022 over whether to offer special exemptions of mandatory military service for BTS members, until the group’s management agency that all seven members would fulfill their duties.
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AP Music Writer Maria Sherman reported from New York.
