After 18 months, the oldest member of the BTSJin, has officially returned from his mandatory military service.

Jin, 31, is the first from the K-pop supergroup to complete his military service after enlisting in December 2022.

BTS’ agency Big Hit Music released a statement to fans via Weverse, officially announcing Jin’s discharge from the military.

“Jin is nearing the end of his military service and will soon be discharged,” the statement said. He also reminded fans that no special events are planned and that dismissal day is for military personnel only, urging fans not to visit the venue to avoid “any problems arising from the gathering of people”.

Reporters from Korean media waited outside, broadcasting live on air and online.

Video from the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), a major news outlet in Korea, shows Jin hugging other soldiers as he prepares to leave the camp.

Moments later, Jin was seen exiting the camp, stopping to greet and pose for the waiting cameras and onlookers. He then received a bouquet of flowers from the other members of the band who are serving in the military. Group leader RM set the mood by playing BTS’ hit ‘Dynamite’ on saxophone.

Before enlisting in the army, Jin released the solo single “The Astronaut”. In a video released earlier this year, the singer asked fans to “wait a little longer” and that he would be able to “start working hard soon.”