SEOUL, South Korea -- Suga, the talented rapper and songwriter of the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS, has officially completed his mandatory military service in South Korea, marking a significant milestone as all seven members of the band are now back from their enlistment duties. This news has been met with overwhelming joy from fans around the world, who have eagerly awaited the group’s reunion.

According to a statement from Big Hit Entertainment, Suga, whose real name is Min Yoongi, has completed his alternative service duties as of Wednesday after utilizing his remaining leave. His official discharge date is noted to be Saturday, signaling the end of his military obligations.

In light of the excitement surrounding his release, the management agency decided against organizing any public events to celebrate, citing concerns over potential overcrowding. This careful approach reflects the agency's dedication to the safety and well-being of both the artists and their fans.

This moment is particularly poignant for the fans, known as ARMY, as they can now anticipate the full reunion of BTS. The group has hinted at plans to come together again as a complete unit sometime in 2025, reigniting hopes for new music and performances.

The recent discharge of Suga follows the completion of military service by fellow BTS members RM and V just last week. Additionally, Jimin and Jung Kook were also released a day later, all four having enlisted in December 2023. Jin, the oldest member of BTS, was discharged earlier in June 2024, followed by J-Hope in October.

In South Korea, military service is mandatory for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 to 28, with a service duration ranging from 18 to 21 months. This law is in place as a strategic measure to deter any potential aggression from North Korea. There are provisions for exemptions, primarily for athletes and classical musicians who achieve significant accolades, though K-pop idols like BTS do not qualify for such privileges.

However, in a notable change, BTS was allowed to postpone their enlistment until the age of 30 following amendments to the Military Service Act by South Korea’s National Assembly in 2020. This revision was celebrated by fans and marked a significant shift in how K-pop artists are treated in the context of military service.

There was considerable public discourse in 2022 regarding whether BTS members should receive special exemptions from military service due to their immense contribution to national pride and culture. Ultimately, after discussions between the agency and various stakeholders, the decision was made in October 2022 for all seven members to fulfill their military duties.

As the world awaits BTS's return to the music scene, the completion of their military service signifies not only a personal victory for the members but also a moment of collective celebration for their dedicated fan base.