June 10, 2025, is a historic day for ARMY worldwide—Kim Namjoon (RM) has officially completed his 18-month mandatory military service and is now a free man.
Alongside fellow member V (Kim Taehyung), who was discharged on the same day, their return brings BTS one step closer to their long-awaited full-group reunion.
RM Military Discharge
Unlike traditional celebrity military discharges, no public events were held at RM’s military base in Chuncheon. BigHit Music had previously urged fans to refrain from visiting the site due to safety and logistical concerns. The label emphasized that the day was reserved for military personnel only.
Instead, RM and V greeted fans through brief, private gatherings at the Sports Park in Chuncheon, where they shared their thoughts on completing their service. He entered the venue playing the “Detective Conan” theme on the saxophone.
RM enlisted on December 11, 2023, serving in the 15th Infantry Division of the South Korean Army. Despite the challenges of military life, he remained connected with fans through occasional social media updates.
While talking to the press, the BTS leader shared,
Hello, I am Sergeant Kim Namjoon of the 15th Infantry Division, serving in the Military Band, and discharged today. It’s good to see you! I have finally been discharged, but actually, we are serving out the shortest military enlistment period in history, aren’t we?
And so after doing this shortest military enlistment, and the conditions have improved a lot as well, and when I went in and, honestly, although there were many tough and difficult times, but I felt deeply that when we were working (as artists), there were many people who were protecting the country in our stead.
And so while we are working (as artists), many people at the front and in the back protected our country and fought for us, and allowed us to grow and work. When I arrived, I actually became very close to my father and my friends. Because there were many who had already served in the military.
It was a meaningful period where I was able to get closer to the former military service members around me. Actually, I’m worried about the military juniors weigh that remain. Please endure a bit more and return to society, and it’d be great to see each other in good health.
And I want to say thank you so much to ARMYs for waiting. And I will come back and do my best to run hard again as society’s RM. To everyone who together took care of us and waited for us, thank you very much.
RM, June 10, 2025
A Complete Timeline of RM Military Journey
December 11, 2023: RM officially enlisted for his mandatory military service in South Korea. He enlisted alongside fellow BTS member V (Kim Taehyung) at the Nonsan Training Center, where the duo completed five weeks of recruit training.
January 16, 2024: RM completed his five-week basic military training at the Nonsan Training Center. He was recognized as an “elite trainee” for his exceptional performance, an honor reportedly given to only about five out of every 200 recruits.
This training included basic combat as well as chemical, biological, and radiological defense drills.
January 16, 2024 (Post-Training): Following his basic training, the 30-year-old rapper was deployed to the 15th Infantry Division of the 2nd Corps of the Republic of South Korea Army. This unit is often called the ‘Victory Unit’ and is located in Hwacheon, Gangwon Special Government Province, guarding the front line. He served in the military band within this division.
August 2024: RM earned an early promotion, a privilege for elite soldiers who excel and graduate with honors from training. He became a corporal before the standard schedule due to his exemplary service.
September 17, 2024: Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the 15th Infantry Division, where RM was stationed. The President encouraged soldiers, including RM, and took a commemorative photo with them.
June 10, 2025: RM is officially discharged from his mandatory military service. This marks the end of his approximately 18-month service period. He and V addressed fans from a designated location in Chuncheon.
BTS Reunion
RM, along with other members, will resume solo activities post-service, including solo albums, tours, and more. HYBE and BigHit Music have repeatedly stated that they are still discussing it with the members. HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang told the company’s shareholders that the members will need time to prepare for the comeback. Therefore, their comeback is likely pushed to early 2026.
