The world’s hottest boy band are heading for a reunion: Okay-pop megastars RM and V from BTS had been launched Tuesday from 18 months of South Korean army service, prompting a fan frenzy.
The seven members of BTS, South Korea’s most profitable musical act, have been on a self-described “hiatus” since 2022 whereas they individually undertake the obligatory service, required of all South Korean males beneath 30 as a consequence of tensions with the nuclear-armed North.
Hundreds of followers gathered close to two military bases simply outdoors of the capital Seoul the place band chief RM — just lately named “Favorite K-pop Artist” on the American Music Awards — and singer V had been launched Tuesday.
They are two of 4 BTS members who might be launched this week. Two extra, who enlisted first, had been discharged final yr, and the ultimate member SUGA — who has been working as a social service agent for different non-active-duty service — might be launched later this month.
HYBE, the band’s company, urged followers to not go to the discharge location, citing security considerations.
“With the safety of both artists and fans in mind, we strongly urge fans not to go to the location in person,” the company wrote on Weverse, its superfan platform.
Despite the warning, dozens of followers gathered outdoors V’s army base, eagerly awaiting the return of their star.
“Honestly, I came here with such high expectations,” Yang Ho-hee, 28, instructed AFP outdoors the bottom.
Fans had hung colourful banners to welcome the 29-year-old again to civilian life.
“Taehyung, let’s never be apart again,” one stated, referring to V’s actual identify, Kim Tae-hyung. “I’ll follow only you, Taehyung. We are each other’s strength,” stated one other.
Near the bases, on a soccer area the place the newly launched BTS members are set to talk later, a whole bunch of followers from around the globe gathered hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols.
“Actually, it’s mixed emotions. I feel like I’m crying already,” stated Arlene Mendoza, a fan from the Philippines. “I’ve been traveling to Korea so many times, but this is actually the first time I’ll see V.”
In addition to the military releases, Friday is so-called FESTA — a celebration that marks the anniversary of the group’s debut and sometimes attracts hundreds of worldwide followers to Seoul.
Mendoza instructed AFP she plans to attend fellow member J-hope’s live performance on Friday, plus be a part of different BTS FESTA occasions.
All the band members signed new contracts with HYBE in 2023, and as soon as SUGA is launched June 21, analysts anticipate reunion actions.
This ought to enhance the Okay-pop business as an entire — and particularly HYBE.
“In the case of HYBE share prices, the current market consensus is seen as not fully reflecting BTS’s impact,” Lim Soo-jin, an analyst at Daishin Securities, instructed AFP.
Despite an ongoing police investigation into the corporate chairman for suspected insider buying and selling and a current raid by authorities, analysts say HYBE’s shares are anticipated to stay steady.
“We see there’s a high possibility of an upward revision in earnings forecasts, which could in turn drive the stock price higher,” Lim stated.
HYBE’s shares have seen a pointy improve, rising by 10 p.c over the previous week by way of June 9.
Prior to starting their obligatory army service, the mega boy band generated greater than 5.5 trillion received ($4 billion) in yearly financial affect, in line with the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.
That accounts for roughly 0.2 p.c of South Korea’s complete GDP, in line with official knowledge.
HYBE has hinted at a BTS comeback this yr, however has additionally stated the members “need time for reflection and preparation”.
“Normally, the process goes from song production to album release, then a tour,” Lee Jae-sang, CEO of HYBE, instructed a shareholder assembly in March.
“But since BTS have already become global top-tier artists, we are continuing discussions about their vision and what’s next,” Lee added.
Outside HYBE headquarters in Seoul, banners from followers learn: “Thank you for making even the waiting feel joyful.”
The constructing was wrapped with the slogan “WE ARE BACK”, the official emblem for the upcoming BTS FESTA.
© 2025 AFP