In an emotional and highly anticipated moment for BTS fans, the entire group reunited on June 13 to celebrate their 12th anniversary at FESTA, marking a significant milestone after six of the seven members completed their mandatory military service in South Korea.
The superstar K-pop group, composed of RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, shared a powerful reunion during the fan event, which took place at KINTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang, South Korea.
Military Service Completion and FESTA Surprise
Jin, 32, was the first member to enlist in December 2022, with the rest of the group following in the subsequent year. As part of South Korean law, all able-bodied men must complete 18 to 21 months of military service, and after fulfilling their duties, six members of the group are now back together.
The reunion on June 13 came after j-hope’s successful solo tour, HOPE ON THE STAGE, marking his return from military service.
The surprise moment of the evening occurred when Jin and Jungkook, both 27, took the stage as special guests, performing “Jamais Vu” as a trio with j-hope. RM, 30, Suga (who has completed his service but cannot promote until this weekend), Jimin, 29, and V, 29, were seen enjoying the performance from the crowd.
Jung Kook also wowed the audience with his solo performances of “Seven” and his feature “I Wonder…” with j-hope. Jin, who has been very vocal about his respect for his bandmates, also performed the iconic BTS song “Spring Day” with j-hope, alongside his own track “Don’t Say You Love Me.”
FESTA Celebrations and BTS Fan Engagement
BTS celebrated their 12th anniversary at FESTA, a fan event that coincides with the anniversary of their formation on June 13 and 14.
The event attracted over 60,000 fans and featured a variety of interactive experiences, including photo spots, a DIY photo card station, a coloring wall inspired by BTS’s album artwork, and more.
The Voice Zone gave fans the opportunity to listen to special recordings from each member, while the Locker Zone displayed personal items important to the members.
In addition, the DIY Zone allowed fans to personalize their own satchels, creating an intimate connection between BTS and their ARMY. The event reminded both BTS and their fans of the deep bond they share and how important they are to each other.
The Group’s Military Service Journey
BTS members were required to serve in South Korea’s military, which every able-bodied South Korean man must do. The group’s decision to enlist and focus on solo projects during this time was a significant moment in their career.
Jin’s military service took him to a training center near the North Korean border, while Suga completed an alternative service as a social service agent. J-hope enlisted in April 2023, followed by the rest of the members — RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook — in December 2023.
Throughout this period, each member continued to release solo albums and embark on international concert tours, proving their versatility and dedication to their craft.
Jin’s Thoughts on the Reunion
Jin, who has been the most vocal about the group’s future and reunion, spoke about his excitement for their comeback during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in May.
“It was great to be alone. But when they come back, since they worked very hard, I’m going to honor them and give them great respect,” Jin told Fallon, adding, “They are my lifesavers, so I need to show them my appreciation and take care of them.”
As BTS marks their 12th anniversary, the reunion after completing military service serves as a beautiful reminder of their bond, their journey, and the love between them and their fans.
With their military duties behind them, the future looks bright for BTS, and fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the group’s story.
