Normally known for its serene countryside and famed honey, Yeoncheon County — just kilometers from the heavily fortified North Korean border — was anything but quiet on Wednesday. The rural town found itself at the center of a global pop culture moment as thousands of devoted BTS fans gathered to welcome home two of the group’s stars, Jimin and Jungkook, from their mandatory military service.
Despite repeated pleas from BTS’s label, HYBE, to avoid the area, fans flooded in well before dawn, some arriving as early as 3 a.m. Clad in the band’s iconic purple, waving banners, and even showing off BTS-inspired tattoos, fans wept, screamed, and cheered as the two idols made their appearance.
Some had traveled from as far away as Brazil and Indonesia for the chance to glimpse their idols in person. “This is a dream come true,” said 18-year-old Wu Ruohan, who flew in from China.
The emotional reunion marks a major milestone for the global supergroup. With Jimin and Jungkook now officially discharged, six of the seven BTS members have completed their military duties. The final member, SUGA, is expected to be released on June 21 — a countdown fans are closely following as the group prepares for its long-awaited full reunion and return to music.
A Humble Return
Jimin and Jungkook emerged in military camouflage, appearing briefly in front of the cameras and fans before departing in a black minivan. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in front of a camera,” said Jungkook, looking slightly flustered. “I didn’t even put on makeup.”
Jimin added that the duo had gone for a 5 a.m. jog in an effort to look fresh for their fans. Both stars bowed respectfully before leaving, promising to speak to fans later via the group’s WeVerse platform.
Fan Debate Erupts Online
Their return sparked not only celebration, but also controversy. Prior to enlisting, all BTS members had pleaded with fans during a live broadcast — even kneeling — to not gather at military sites, citing safety and respect for the process.
“They’re not real fans,” one social media user wrote, sharing photos of the crowd at the base in an effort to publicly shame those who disregarded the group’s wishes.
Still, that didn’t stop thousands more from gathering later in the day outside HYBE headquarters in Seoul, hoping to catch a second glimpse of their idols. Fans sang BTS hits and chanted the names of Jimin and Jungkook as television networks broadcast the spectacle live.
Military Buzzcuts and Luxury Watches
Though dressed in regulation military uniforms, fans and fashion watchers still managed to latch onto details. Earlier in the week, fellow member V — discharged on Tuesday — was seen wearing a Cartier timepiece valued at over 20 million won (about $14,600), sparking discussion online. In contrast, RM sported a more humble Casio watch. But neither Jimin nor Jungkook wore a watch during their appearance, to the disappointment of eagle-eyed fans.
Style commentators expect a “visual adjustment period” as the idols grow out their military buzzcuts and re-adopt their signature K-pop aesthetics.
Countdown to FESTA
BTS will celebrate the 12th anniversary of their debut this Friday with FESTA, an annual celebration that brings fans together worldwide. With the group’s full return now on the horizon, anticipation is building for what many are calling the “revival of the K-pop industry.”
As thousands lined the streets of Seoul in the days leading up to FESTA, one thing was clear: even after months out of the spotlight, BTS still commands a global stage — and the unwavering love of ARMY.
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