SEOUL – And just like that, ARMYs have welcomed back six out of seven BTS members. In just 10 more days, the kings will be complete.
It’s been a long two-and-a-half-year-wait as RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook paused their group activities to fulfill their mandatory military service in South Korea.
HYBE would like to remind ARMYs. (Photo by Nikko Dizon)
Long lines as ARMYs wait for Namjoon and Taehyung to arrive (Photo by Nikko Dizon)
ARMY, as BTS’ devoted fans are known, have been arriving in South Korea since last week, just in time for the military discharge of RM and V on June 10, followed by Jimin and Jungkook on June 11. All this builds up to BTS’ anniversary on June 13, which coincides with the encore shows of j-hope’s “Hope on the Stage” concert tour.
ARMYs wait for BTS under the blazing sun, prompting Jimin to appeal for them to go home during his Weverse live with Jungkook, followed by a Weverse post. (Photo by Nikko Dizon)
Our first stop? The HYBE headquarters in Yongsan. Of course, we all wanted to give the building’s most famous occupants a warm welcome—quite literally. It’s summer in South Korea, and the heat was intense. Surprisingly, though, June 10 was pleasant and breezy while we waited for Namjoon and Taehyung. I stood with other ARMYs for more than three hours and saw nothing, not even a glimpse of their cars. My friends and I left HYBE for our 2:40 pm schedule at Hobi’s “And What” exhibit in Hongdae, only to learn later that Namjoon had left the building around 3 pm, and even waved to fans. We had just missed him.
I promised myself the next day would be better.
I’m writing this just a few hours after standing under the scorching sun, waiting nearly three hours for Jimin and Jungkook, along with more than a thousand other ARMYs. Not going to lie, I started feeling unwell at some point. The sun was relentless. But I told myself I’m a strong ARMY, so I pushed through.
So you can imagine my heartbreak when, once again, I missed seeing the boys as their cars entered the building. My heart felt unbearably heavy. I scolded myself for not positioning myself closer to the parking entrance. There had still been space when I arrived. That’s when I realized: I’ve lost the instinct I once relied on as a reporter to find the best spot during coverage. And in its own way, that realization hurt even more.
It’s kind of funny—that someone would feel crushed over missing four black cars entering HYBE
I know that sounds a bit deep. But it’s also kind of funny—that someone would feel crushed over missing four black cars entering HYBE. We didn’t even see BTS themselves, just their vehicles. And yet, that was enough to stir so much emotion.
Thankfully, I managed to bounce back from the disappointment. Later that day, I finally saw the boys’ cars as they exited the building. And more than that, I saw one of them, either Jimin or Jungkook (though I’m almost certain it was Jungkook), wave to ARMYs still waiting outside.
ARMYs line the street at HYBE to welcome Jimin and Jungkook back. (Photo by Nikko Dizon)
I was in line at a café across from HYBE when I suddenly heard ARMYs screaming. I rushed out, abandoning my spot in line, and was lucky enough to catch Jungkook (or Jimin) waving from a window in the HYBE building. My ARMY heart burst with joy.
My boys are back. Just one more to go. And when that day comes, life won’t just go back to normal. It will be better than ever because all seven will be together again.
Photo boxes at the exhibit (Photo by Nikko Dizon)
I promised myself I’d be in Seoul for this year’s FESTA as BTS celebrates their 12th anniversary. And what a celebration it will be, filled with extra joy and meaning now that they’ve completed their military service.
I’ve met so many ARMYs from all over the world, of all ages. And mind you, there were quite a number of fanboys, too! ARMYs are just as excited as BTS are. You can see it in the boys’ eyes—the mix of excitement and uncertainty, their bashfulness in front of the cameras after being out of the spotlight for so long. They’ve remained humble and unassuming despite being global icons. That’s why we love them so much.
I can’t wait for SUGA, my current bias (although my OG bias Jin is slowly pulling me back!), to return on June 21 after completing his alternative military service. (He served as a social service agent due to a previous arm injury.)
‘Arson’ music video outfit (Photo by Nikko Dizon)
I’m excited for BTS’ new music, to see them on stage again, and to watch the videos where they’re being their usual silly, witty, and authentic selves.
BTS’ return couldn’t have come at a better time. The world is in shambles today. But believe me when I say BTS brings joy, comfort, and hope to people.
I hold on to all the beautiful things they bring.
The iconic photo marking the return of BTS
