CHUNCHEON, South Korea - The world’s most popular boy band are heading for a reunion: K-pop megastars RM and V from BTS were released on June 10 from 18 months of South Korean military service, prompting a fan frenzy.

The seven members of BTS, South Korea’s most lucrative musical act, have been on a self-described “hiatus” since 2022 while they separately undertake the mandatory service, required of all South Korean men under 30 due to tensions with the nuclear-armed North.

Hundreds of fans gathered near two army bases just outside of the capital Seoul where band leader RM – recently named “Favorite K-pop Artist” at the American Music Awards – and singer V were released on June 10.

They are two of four BTS members who will be released this week.

Two more, who enlisted first, were discharged in 2024, and the final member Suga – who has been working as a social service agent for alternative non-active-duty service – will be released later this month.

Hybe, the band’s agency, urged fans not to go to the discharge location, citing safety concerns.

“With the safety of both artists and fans in mind, we strongly urge fans not to go to the location in person,” the agency wrote on Weverse, its superfan platform.

Despite the warning, dozens of fans gathered outside V’s military base, eagerly awaiting the return of their star.

“Honestly, I came here with such high expectations,” Ms Yang Ho-hee, 28, told AFP outside the base.

Fans had hung colourful banners to welcome the 29-year-old back to civilian life.

“Taehyung, let’s never be apart again,” one said, referring to V’s real name, Kim Tae-hyung. “I’ll follow only you, Taehyung. We are each other’s strength,” said another.

Reunion tour?

Near the bases, on a football field where the newly released BTS members are set to speak later, hundreds of fans from around the world gathered hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols.

“Actually, it’s mixed emotions. I feel like I’m crying already,” said Ms Arlene Mendoza, a fan from the Philippines.

“I’ve been traveling to Korea so many times, but this is actually the first time I’ll see V.”

In addition to the army releases, June 13 is so-called Festa – a celebration that marks the anniversary of the group’s debut and typically draws thousands of global fans to Seoul.

Ms Mend...