The bandmates, who have reportedly taken leave from duties to mark the day, presented a beaming Jin, still in his military uniform, with a giant bouquet of flowers, as they all hugged while RM played the saxophone, blasting out the hook of BTS’s mega-hit Dynamite.
Fans had hung colourful banners outside the base, with one reading: “Seok-jin you did so well for the last 548 days. We’ll stand by you with our unwavering love”, referring to the star by his full first name.
A giant balloon flew in front with the message: “Worldwide handsome Seok-jin! Congratulations on your discharge.”
Yeoncheon county put up its own banner that read: “BTS Jin, The last year and a half was a joy for us. Yeoncheon will not forget you!”
Fans had been urged not to attend, and there were only a couple of admirers present early Wednesday outside the base.
“Although my hands were shaking and my muscles stiffened, I was so happy to see him,” said Natose Sunagawa, a 19-year-old from Tokyo.
Holding a plush doll of Jin, and with a keyring of Jin’s face on her purse, she said she came because she “wanted to meet him so bad”.
“As all BTS members haven’t finished their military service, I believe Jin will release solo materials I wish to buy his solo albums and go to the concerts,” said Sunagawa, wiping away her tears.
