Today's Edition
SEOUL (AFP)
The world's most popular boy band are heading for a reunion: K-pop megastars RM and V from BTS will be released Tuesday from 18 months of South Korean military service, prompting a fan frenzy.
The seven members of BTS, South Korea's most lucrative musical act, have been on a self-described "hiatus" since 2022 while they separately undertake the mandatory service, required of all South Korean men under 30 years.
The two band members who enlisted first were released last year, and this week four more will follow, plus the last member -- SUGA who has been working as a social service agent as alternative non-active duty service -- later this month.
Band leader RM -- recently named "Favorite K-pop Artist" at the American Music Awards -- will be released Tuesday, alongside singer V.
Outside the military base in Chuncheon where V will be released, fans hung colourful banners to welcome the 29-year-old back to civilian life.
HYBE, the band's agency, urged fans not to go to the discharge location on site, citing safety concerns.
All the band members signed new contracts with HYBE in 2023, and once SUGA is released June 21, analysts expect reunion activities.
This will work positively for the K-pop industry as a whole -- and especially for HYBE.
HYBE's shares have seen a sharp increase, rising by 10 percent over the past week through June 9.
Prior to beginning their mandatory military service, the mega boy band generated more than 5.5 trillion won ($4 billion) in yearly economic impact, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.
That accounts for roughly 0.2 percent of South Korea's total GDP, according to official data.
HYBE has hinted at a BTS comeback this year, but has also said the members "need time for reflection and preparation".
