Jin, the oldest member of the world-famous K-pop group BTS, has finished his mandatory military service in South Korea and is now ready to reconnect with his fans in a special way. He began his training in December 2022 and was officially discharged from the army on Wednesday. Jin is the first BTS member to complete his service, and his return is a big event for fans all over the world.
Military service is compulsory for almost all able-bodied men in South Korea, requiring them to serve for about 18 months before they turn 28. However, in 2020, South Korea’s parliament passed a bill allowing top pop stars like BTS members to defer their service until the age of 30. Jin enlisted at 30 and served as an assistant drill instructor, completing his service with positive remarks about his experience and the people he met.
To celebrate his discharge, Jin will participate in the Seoul Festa event, a festival that celebrates South Korean culture, including K-pop, K-beauty, and Korean food. At the event, 1,000 fans who won a raffle will get the chance to hug Jin, while around 4,000 attendees will watch him perform three songs at the Jamsil Sports Complex.
Fans began gathering early at the festival, which featured various activities such as photo booths, bracelet-making, and BTS merchandise stalls. Some fans traveled from overseas for the event. For instance, Holly Campbell from Melbourne, Australia, and Ashley Stoudnour from Florida shared their excitement despite not winning the raffle for a hug. They both dressed in purple, a color closely associated with BTS, symbolizing the band’s long-lasting love for their fans.
Purple has become an important color for BTS and their fans ever since member V described it as a symbol of their deep connection. This color appears frequently in their performances, merchandise, and collaborations. Fans like Campbell and Stoudnour expressed their love and admiration for BTS, highlighting how the band’s music and personalities inspire them.
Another fan, Kim Yoon-jeong, was emotional about not winning a ticket for Jin’s performance or a hug but remained excited to support him. She showcased her artworks, including digital portraits and tiny dolls of BTS members. Similarly, Michelle Pedraza, who flew in from California, missed out on the hug raffle but showed her dedication with purple-dyed hair and a positive attitude, eager to see Jin on stage.
Since its debut in 2013, BTS has become a global sensation, achieving number-one singles in over 100 countries and winning numerous awards, including Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards. They were even the first K-pop act to earn a Grammy nomination. Beyond music, BTS members are influential fashion icons, with partnerships with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior.
The group’s hiatus due to military service has been a significant concern for fans. Jin, as the first member to enlist, paved the way for the rest of the group, who are expected to complete their service by 2025. Despite the hiatus, fans’ loyalty remains strong, and many believe that BTS’s return will be just as impactful.
Jin’s event, dubbed a “hugathon,” will last three hours, with 1,000 fans chosen through a raffle to receive hugs. Jin had suggested hugging up to 3,000 fans, showing his eagerness to connect with as many fans as possible. One fan, Ms. Park, who won a spot in the event, expressed her disbelief and excitement about the opportunity to meet Jin. For many fans, this event is a chance to show their love and support for Jin after his time in the military.
However, there were some concerns about the event’s rules, which initially required fans to join ARMY, BTS’s fan club, and purchase albums to enter the raffle. This led to accusations that the event was a way to sell unsold albums. HYBE, BTS’s management agency, apologized and adjusted the criteria to include anyone who had ever purchased certain BTS albums. Jin addressed the controversy, asking fans to understand the good intentions behind the event.
Despite the challenges, fans are thrilled about Jin’s return and the beginning of BTS’s gradual reunion. Music critic Lim Hee-yun noted that while BTS might not attract new young fans as they did before, their existing fan base will continue to support them as they grow older. Fans like Samantha, who has followed BTS since she was 10, believe that the band’s music and connection with their fans will keep them popular regardless of their age.
As Jin returns to the public eye and BTS prepares for their eventual reunion, the bond between the band and their fans remains as strong as ever. This event marks a significant moment for both Jin and ARMY, symbolizing hope and excitement for the future of BTS.
