BTS’ V Honored as Most-Loved Celebrity in Military Service

BTS member V, also known as Kim Taehyung, has been celebrated as the most cherished celebrity to serve in South Korea’s mandatory military service, according to a report by Allkpop. During his 18-month tenure, which concluded on June 10, 2025, V received an unprecedented 4.5 million messages on Goondori, a popular military service tracker and fan community platform that enables supporters to send messages to enlisted individuals, including celebrities, athletes, and creators.

As of June 9, 2025, just before his discharge, V had amassed over 4.5 million messages, making him the first and only celebrity to surpass 3 million messages on the platform, as reported by Allkpop. This remarkable milestone solidified his status as the most beloved Korean celebrity to undertake military service.

V enlisted in December 2023 and served in the elite Counter-Terrorism Unit, known as the Special Duty Team (SDT) of the Ssangyong Military Police Special Task Force. His exemplary service earned him a promotion to Sergeant and widespread praise for his dedication and discipline.

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On the day of his discharge, V and fellow BTS member RM emerged at the Sports Park in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, greeted by enthusiastic fans worldwide. RM performed a saxophone rendition for those present, while V held bouquets of flowers. Images and videos of the event quickly spread across social media, capturing the emotional reunion with fans.

V’s return marks a significant step toward BTS’s anticipated group comeback in 2025, though specific details about the reunion remain undisclosed. The outpouring of support on Goondori underscores the global devotion of BTS’s fanbase, known as ARMY, as they eagerly await the group’s next chapter.