BTS, EXO, and MONSTA X, three of the most beloved and influential groups in the industry, are wrapping up their military service this year.
It’s been a long wait for fans, but the countdown to the return of EXO, MONSTA X, WINNER, and BTS is finally on. The military enlistment process began in 2019 for EXO, followed by MONSTA X in 2021, and BTS in 2022. Each group’s members then sequentially enlisted.
2025 will see the grand reunion of EXO, MONSTA X, WINNER, N.Flying, and BTS as the remaining members fulfill their military duties.
BTS
All eyes are on BTS as the group gears up for a long-awaited reunion this year. Two members Jin and j-hope completed military service in June and October last year. Jin, the eldest BTS member, was the first one to enlist as an active-duty soldier in December 2022. The main dancer and rapper began his military service in April 2023.
After enlisting together in December 2023, RM and V will finally be discharged on June 10. Just one day later, on June 11, Jimin and Jungkook will also return home. Suga, who has been serving as a social worker since September 2023, will take a little longer to wrap up his duties (he’ll be discharged on June 21).
The excitement is building for a full-group reunion. With the Bangtan boys coming back together, fans cannot wait to see what’s next for BTS.
Last year, there were reports that their full group comeback was pushed to 2026. To address the growing speculation, BIGHIT MUSIC responded that they are currently discussing post-discharge activity plans with BTS members.
EXO
EXO began their military enlistment journey in 2019 when Xiumin enlisted in the military, followed by group leader Suho in 2020. Here are the enlistment and discharge dates of EXO members
1. Xiumin
– Enlistment: May 7, 2019
– Discharge: December 6, 2020
2. Suho
– Enlistment: May 14, 2020
– Discharge: February 13, 2022
3. Lay
– (Exempt from military service due to Chinese nationality)
4. Baekhyun
– Enlistment: May 6, 2021
– Discharge: February 5, 2023
5. Chen
– Enlistment: October 26, 2020
– Discharge: April 25, 2022
6. Chanyeol
– Enlistment: March 29, 2021
– Discharge: September 28, 2022
7. D.O.
– Enlistment: July 1, 2019
– Discharge: January 25, 2021
8. Kai
– Enlistment: May 11, 2023
– Discharge: February 10, 2024 (expected)
9. Sehun
– Enlistment: December 21, 2023
– Discharge: September 20, 2025
With Kai’s discharge on February 10 and Sehun’s on September 20, all EXO members will have officially completed their military service. Suho and Chanyeol recently dropped hints about upcoming full-group activities during the ‘SMTown Live 30th-anniversary concert.
Meanwhile, D.O. confirmed the news in a recent interview, assuring fans that “EXO will be reunited” and revealing that the group has plans to prepare for their comeback this year.
WINNER
Winner is expected to make a comeback as a full group this year, following the recent discharges of Kang Seung Yoon and Mino from their mandatory military service in December 2024. However, the group’s plans may be put on hold due to allegations surrounding Mino’s alternative service as a social worker. The matter is currently under police investigation and the ruling is expected to be announced soon.
He was accused of skipping work and manipulating his attendance records during the alternative service. Previously, YG’s chief hinted at WINNER’s comeback in 2025, however, it is unclear if they will go forward with the plan following Mino’s controversy.
MONSTA X
MONSTA X is celebrating its 10th debut anniversary this year. The group is expected to resume full-group activities with the discharge of Jungwon in May. Recently, the group leader Joohoney completed his military service on January 23. Following him, another member of MONSTA X, Kihyun, was discharged on February 21.
Hyungwon will be discharged on May 13 and they will resume full-group activities right away. I.M, the youngest member of MONSTA X, born in 1996, has yet to enlist. However, it is expected that he will start his military service following the completion of upcoming group activities.
N.Flying
N.Flying is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, alongside MONSTA X. With drummer Kim Jaehyun’s upcoming discharge on February 24, the band will finally be whole again. As the music scene experiences a band boom, all eyes are on N.Flying’s 10th-anniversary activities.
Meanwhile, K-pop idols born in 1996 will faithfully serve their country and begin military service.