As the military service of all members of the group BTS comes to an end, foreign media has reported on the resumption of their activities with considerable focus.
On the 21st, according to Big Hit Music, BTS's agency, all seven members of BTS returned as member Suga completed his military duty and was discharged. The Associated Press noted a day earlier that "all seven members of BTS have completed their military service" and detailed their return in a special feature article titled "What to know about the K-pop group BTS returning from military service."
The report said, "The day when all group members returned is a monumental moment for BTS fans," adding that "the seven members of the popular K-pop band plan to reunite as a group by the end of this year." It also introduced in detail the process by which BTS gained global popularity since their debut, elevating the status of K-pop on the global stage, as well as various chart records they achieved in the U.S. and nominations for major awards such as the Grammys.
It reported that as BTS's influence expanded worldwide, they were also establishing themselves as international "advocates for social justice." Major activities highlighted included their speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, the 'Love Myself' campaign promoting self-love among youth, and their $1 million (1.4 billion won) donation to the Black Lives Matter movement.
The report analyzed that as BTS members enlisted in phases, they secured time to pursue individual solo activities, meaning the actual hiatus wasn't very long.
On the 18th, the U.S. media Hollywood Reporter reported, "K-pop superstars have finally returned," stating that "after all BTS members completed their mandatory military service, they reunited this past weekend to celebrate their 12th debut anniversary." It also added, "Each member achieved success through solo activities over the past two years, but fans have been eagerly waiting for their return and reunion."
The U.S. New York Times focused on the scenes and sentiments of international fans who visited the military on the members' discharge day, along with the fan festival 'BTS Festa' held in Goyang City over the past weekend, coinciding with the members' discharge day. It also compared the members' return to the enthusiastic reception legendary U.S. star Elvis Presley received upon returning from military service.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) vividly reported the voices of fans attending BTS Festa and the atmosphere on the day. Stephanie Prado, who moved to Korea from Brazil because of her love for them, said to the BBC, "I really missed them so much. I hope they can rest now, but as a fan, I naturally wish for albums, concerts, and everything else."
A fan named Para Alla, who came from the Netherlands, stated, "Being surrounded by everything related to BTS makes me realize it's worth traveling to the other side of the world," adding, "Just breathing the same air as BTS, drinking the same water, and eating the same food is enough for 'ARMY' (the BTS fandom)."
However, the BBC pointed out that significant changes have occurred in the K-pop industry over the past two years, indicating signs of stagnation in K-pop, as evidenced by record sales peaking in 2023 and internal disputes revealed by the success of girl group NewJeans.
The BBC analyzed, "This situation is also why many people have been looking forward to BTS's return," expressing hope that "BTS will inject new energy into the industry and suggest the path forward."