RM and V of the K-pop boy group BTS were officially discharged from their mandatory military service on June 10, marking their return to civilian life. Expressing their gratitude to ARMY (the official name of BTS’s fanbase), both artists named performing on stage as the thing they most look forward to. With all seven BTS members set to return to civilian status this month, anticipation for a full-group comeback is building. “If you wait just a little longer, we’ll come back with a truly incredible performance,” they said.

After being discharged from their respective units in the morning, RM and V greeted fans at a football field in Sinbuk-eup Sports Park in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. RM, who served in the military band, appeared wearing sunglasses and playing the saxophone to the theme song of the anime “Detective Conan.” V arrived smiling brightly, holding flower bouquets in both hands. Standing side by side, they saluted the crowd with “Victory!” and “Loyalty!” prompting cheers of joy from the gathered fans.

After receiving a purple bouquet from V, RM said, “Thank you to ARMY for waiting. I’ll give it my all as RM of BTS.”

He added, “Aren’t we serving the shortest military terms ever now? Conditions have improved a lot. Although it was tough and challenging, especially joining at a later age, I came to realize once again that our ability to be active as artists is thanks to the many people who serve and protect our country on the front lines and in the rear.”

RM also shared that he became close with his father and friends, who have already served in the military, during his service, smiling as he spoke. Addressing his fellow soldiers still in the unit, he said, “I worry about you all, but I hope you stay strong just a bit longer, return to society safely, and stay healthy until we meet again.”

V reflected, “The military was a time to refocus both body and mind,” adding, “I really want to run to ARMY as soon as possible. I sincerely thank everyone who waited.” He also expressed gratitude to his fellow soldiers, saying, “Please don’t get injured, train safely, and complete your service well.” Looking ahead, he promised, “I’ll do my best to become an even better person out in the world,” and added, “We’ll come back with a truly amazing stage as BTS.”

When asked what they wanted to do most after being discharged, both answered “performing.” RM said, “I think we’ll probably say the same thing,” to which V immediately responded, “Being on the stage.” RM affirmed, “Yes, performing is what I want to do the most. I’ll work hard on our next album and return to the stage.” When V echoed, “That’s right, as soon as possible,” RM smiled and quipped, “No more returning to the barracks, we’ll return to the stage instead.”

The two concluded their appearance by saying, “We’ll now greet you again as BTS’ RM and V,” before leaving the venue.

Following RM and V, Jungkook and Jimin are scheduled to complete their military service on June 11. With Suga’s alternative service set to end on June 21, all BTS members will be out of uniform by the end of the month. Jin and J-Hope, who were discharged earlier, are currently active with solo projects.