Thousands of fans of the world-famous K-pop group BTS will mark the anniversary of its debut — just days after almost all of its members completed their mandatory military service and their return to the stage seems closer than ever.

The seven-member group, considered the most successful musical project in South Korean history, has been on hiatus since 2022 while its members gradually completed their mandatory military service, which applies to all Koreans under the age of 30.

Last week, thousands of fans gathered in Seoul after four BTS members completed their service and returned to civilian life. The last member, SUGA, who was undergoing alternative service for health reasons, is expected to be discharged next week.

The group will mark its anniversary with its traditional FESTA celebration, which brings fans from around the world — known as ARMY — to South Korea. This year's main event will be held in a huge exhibition space in the city of Goyang, near Seoul.

Local authorities have set up special “photo zones” throughout the city, “turning it into an extended festival stage.”

Meanwhile, amid the fan frenzy, police reported that a Chinese citizen had been temporarily detained on suspicion of attempting to break into Jungkook's luxury apartment, just hours after he was discharged from military service. | BGNES, AFP