Two more members of BTS have returned from military service in South Korea, bringing the K-pop supergroup closer to their comeback, as they promised their fans that they would soon return in “a better version” of themselves, AFP reported.

The seven-member group BTS, South Korea's highest-grossing music group, has been on a self-imposed hiatus since 2022 while its members individually perform their military service, which is mandatory in South Korea for all men under the age of 30.

Over a thousand fans gathered at the press conference site near the two military bases where singer Jimin, whose solo single “Who” holds the record for the longest-running K-pop song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and singer Jungkook.

With so many people gathered to welcome the music icons, networks were overloaded and some television operators had problems with their satellite connections.

When the members began to speak, their voices were often drowned out by the deafening cheers and joyful screams of the crowd.

“Thank you so much for waiting for us for so long,” said Jungkook.

“Now that we are free, I think it's time to continue painting the picture we have always imagined. We will prepare well and show you an even better version of ourselves.”

Jimin said that military service “was not an easy place.”

“However, I have many meaningful memories that I will cherish for a long time,” said the 29-year-old.

“After experiencing military life firsthand, I can say that it's really not easy... if you happen to pass by a soldier, even a small word of kindness would mean a lot to him,” he added.

The streets in the area were decorated with colorful lights and banners.

One of them read: “Jungkook's voice returns to the world,” and another: “Jimin! Now that you're free, how about a world tour?”

Huge banners were carried in the sky along with balloons, and one of them read: “We missed you, Jungkook!”

With the release of Jungkook and Jimin, six of the group's members have now completed their military service.

The last member, SUGA, who has been working as a social worker in alternative non-active service, is set to be released next week.

“Mega catalyst”

Excited fans from around the world gathered as early as 3:00 a.m., hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols.

“I think I'm going to cry,” admitted 30-year-old Anissa Silva, a hotel receptionist from Portugal.

“I've been an ARMY for nine years and this is the first time I've seen them,” she added, referring to the official name of BTS's fan club.

“We couldn't sleep!” said 64-year-old Rosie Tankilut, a fan from the Philippines.

“We've been counting down the days since they joined the army,” she added.

All members of the group signed new contracts with their agency HYBE in 2023, and following SUGA's discharge on June 21, analysts expect the group's reunion activities to generate profits.

The news of the members' release is “extremely positive” for the K-pop industry, commented Yoo Sung-man, an analyst at Leading Investment and Securities.

“Given the long hiatus of the entire group, their upcoming comeback is expected to have a huge global impact in all areas — music streaming, album sales, and concerts,” Yoo added.

Before their mandatory military service, the boy band generated over $4 billion in annual economic impact, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.

This represents about 0.2% of South Korea's total GDP, according to official data.

HYBE hinted at BTS's return this year, but also said that the members “need time to reflect and prepare.”

The faces of the boy band were displayed on giant billboards across Seoul, and many buses plastered with their images welcomed the group members back to civilian life. |BGNES