Jimin, Jungkook Freed: Fans Cry, HYBE Sighs, K-pop Capitalism Reboots

BTS fans mobbed the military base in Yeoncheon before dawn Wednesday, ignoring agency HYBE’s pleas to skip the discharge ceremony of members Jimin and Jungkook.

Crowds of screaming, sobbing fans—some tattooed, others flying in from Brazil and Indonesia—gathered as early as 3 a.m., turning the remote border town into a chaotic fan zone.

The two idols appeared in military fatigues after 18 months of service in the 5th Infantry Division near North Korea, prompting emotional reactions and social media meltdowns.

Security cordons failed to contain the frenzy as the pair bowed, smiled awkwardly, and slipped into a black van, promising to reconnect later via WeVerse.

Six of the seven BTS members are now discharged, with only SUGA due out June 21, paving the way for a long-awaited group comeback.

Online, fan wars reignited as some criticized those who showed up in defiance of the group’s previous requests for privacy.

Fashion police zeroed in on the idols’ bare wrists, disappointed after spotting bandmate V’s $14,649 Cartier at his own discharge Tuesday.

The fan frenzy is expected to crescendo during BTS’s 12th anniversary FESTA celebration on Friday, as thousands gather at HYBE HQ in Seoul to chant, cry, and livestream every second.