All members of BTS reunited last weekend, amidst their 12th anniversary, following the completion of their mandatory military service.
In celebration of their debut anniversary, a yearly celebration dubbed “Festa,” was held over two weeks with both in-person and online activities that attracted 60,000 visitors, according to a release. Fans of the group — known collectively as ARMY — flocked to the INTEX Exhibition Center 2 in Goyang, South Korea, on June 13 and 14, which leveled up in scale from previous years.
2025 BTS Festa.
Courtesy of BigHit Music
The 2025 BTS Festa featured approximately 20 booths set up with DIY activities, photo spots and more. Photo zones along Goyang’s Ilsan Lake Park were installed.
Coinciding with the group’s celebration was the conclusion of member J-Hope’s solo world tour, Hope on the Stage, with a two-night encore concert. On June 13, the first night of the series, all seven members of BTS were spotted in attendance. Jin and Jung Kook joined J-Hope on stage, performing solo songs — “Don’t Say You Love Me” and “Seven (feat. Latto),” respectively — and BTS songs including “Jamais Vu” with J-Hope.
The show and anniversary marked the end of a busy week for the group as members RM, V, Jimin and Jung Kook were discharged from their mandatory military service earlier that week, joining already released J-Hope and Jin. Suga is currently completing his mandatory military service as a social work personnel, so while he was able to attend with his group members, he has not yet been officially discharged. BigHit Music, BTS’ label under Korean entertainment giant Hybe, announced Wednesday that he is close to completing his service and will be discharged soon.
J-Hope’s encore performance in Goyang.
Courtesy of BigHit Music
Fans of the group have long awaited their return; although each member of the group found success with their solo work that has been released throughout the two-year enlistment period. In October 2022, BTS performed a massive free concert, titled Yet to Come, in Busan, South Korea. The concert, which was in support of the Korean city’s bid for the 2030 World Expo, brought legions of ARMY from around the world. Days after the performance, BigHit Music announced that all seven members would be moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service, saying it was “the perfect time” and that the group’s members were honored to serve.
