Suga (Min Yoongi, Agust D) will be the final BTS member to complete military service this month. So, fans may have to wait an extra week or so for the complete OT7 reunion. While Jimin, Jungkook, RM, and V will return before the BTS’ 12th debut anniversary, that’s not the case with Suga.
Since he serves as a public service worker, his service period is longer than that of his fellow members. The 32-year-old rapper is the only member who did not enlist for active-duty service because of his shoulder injury.
Suga Military Service Timeline
Suga began his service as a social service worker (alternative duty) on September 22, 2023, a classification given due to a past shoulder injury. He was deemed unfit for active combat due to prior injury. Unlike other members, his role involves administrative tasks rather than frontline duty. The “Snooze” rapper will be the last BTS member to return on June 21, 2025, after completing 21 months of alternative service.
Controversies During Military Service
Suga faced backlash in August 2024 after receiving a DUI for riding an electric scooter under the influence. He was fined KRW 15 million (~$10,900) and publicly apologized several times.
The incident was blown way out of proportion by Korean media and antis. Not only did he face intense media scrutiny, but some Korean ARMYs also sent wreaths to HYBE to demand his removal from the group. He even appeared before police for questioning and looked remorseful while apologizing to fans for letting them down. Min also apologized via Weverse twice, saying
I will strive to ensure that I do not repeat such wrongful actions and will live with remorse. Because of this incident, I have left a significant stain on the precious memories I have made with the members and fans and have brought disgrace to the name of BTS.
Suga
SUGA’s Activities During Military Service
During his 21-month alternative service, Suga remained creatively inactive and was not spotted frequently. He did not communicate with fans during the entire service period except for the times to apologize for the DUI incident.
Fans caught a rare glimpse of the K-pop rapper during his police station appearance for questioning in August last year. Unlike other members who released music during military service, he did not release an album or a song. A few episodes of his talk show Schwita were aired after his enlistment in September 2023.
What’s Next For Suga?
The future looks bright for Suga as it is expected that he may make a solo comeback after his military discharge. HYBE has confirmed no immediate group activities for BTS members, therefore, they will focus on solo projects while working on the group’s comeback album.
As a producer, we may see him resume work on the BTS reunion album or collaborate with other HYBE labelmates. Suga will likely resume the filming of his talk show Schwita and interview close friends and industry colleagues.
BTS Reunion
Much to the fans’ disappointment, BTS’ comeback is likely delayed until 2026. In April this year, HYBE CEO Lee Jae Sang revealed in a shareholders meeting that the BTS members will ultimately decide the timeline of their comeback. They are currently holding talks with members about their post-service plans, and nothing has been decided yet.
CEO Lee shared that preparing for the comeback will take significant time, given that it will be BTS’s first comeback in years.
The agency is currently proceeding with the necessary preparations, holding talks with top music producers. However, this matter also requires significant deliberation from the perspectives of the members.
Lee Jae Sang, HYBE CEO
While official details will be announced later, fans can look forward to the discharge of RM and V on June 10 and Jimin and Jungkook on June 11.
