K-pop megastar Jin from BTS was seen crying tears of joy after he ended more than 500 days of South Korean military service on Wednesday.
He fell into the arms of his bandmates after emerging from the gates of the army base where he was stationed in South Korea's northern Yeoncheon county.
The seven members of the world's most popular boy band have been on a self-described 'hiatus' since 2022 due to their military service.
Completion of military service in South Korea is mandatory for all men under 30 due to tensions with nuclear-armed neighbours North Korea.
Jin, the oldest in the group and the first to enlist, he was met by bandmates J-hope, V, RM, Jungkook and Jimin - with RM giving a rendition of the group's popular hit Dynamite on the saxophone.
K-pop boy band BTS member Jin is seen in high spirits after being discharged from military service in Yeoncheon, South Korea, having completed more than 500 days at the base
K-pop boy band BTS member Jin is greeted by a group member J-Hope after being discharged
Jin can be seen here saluting after being discharged from the base in the north of the country
The K-pop stars, 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.
Fans also took the opportunity to congratulate Jin by hanging 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'.
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!'
Having been urged not to congratulate Jin in person prior to his release from the military base, only a couple of admirers were present.
NatoseSunagawa, 19, from Tokyo, said: 'Although my hands were shaking and my muscles stiffened, I was so happy to see him'.
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,' Sunagawa added, as she wiped away tears.
A post from the official BTS account on X, formerly Twitter, congraulted Jin by uploading a photo of the entire group celebrating Jin's discharge with a cake.
Speaking in a livestream on Weverse, a superfan social media platform, Jin said: 'I'm normally more handsome than this, but I cried when I was discharged. My eyes are puffy. I usually have confidence in my face, but I'm less confident today'.
Jin (pictured centre) hugs military colleagues after being discharged from his mandatory military service
Concert-goers watch BTS perform onstage during iHeartRadio 102.7 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2021. The band have earned a cult following among K-pop fans since they formed in 2010
BTS perform at 102.7 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2019 held at The Forum on December 6, 2019 in Inglewood, Los Angeles
The band are seen hereperforming on Good Morning America on May 15, 2019 in New York City
Showing off his certificates and commendations, Jin mentioned that he 'did well' during his service and cried twice because he was so happy to be home.
His release comes just ahead of the 11th anniversary of the group's debut, with their agency HYBE's office in Seoul plus some local cafes decked out in purple decorations to mark the occasion.
Jin will participate in a 'huggathon' on Thursday, where he will hug 1,000 fans who won a raffle held on Weverse, before giving his first performance in two years.
Jin said on Weverse that the 'huggathon' was his idea, and that he had 'initially wanted to hug 3000 fans' but had to agree to a smaller number after HYBE cited safety concerns.
'It is significant that Jin did his military service without any problem, since for a K-pop male idol serving in the military is the biggest issue' for their career, said Yoo Sung-man, an analyst at Leading Investment and Securities.
'Jin's discharge is a positive sign for entertainment stock prices,' he added.
HYBE stock price has been hit by a dispute with superproducer Min Hee-jin, the mastermind behind girlband NewJeans.
Jin (left) is welcomed by his bandmates Jimin, Jungkook, J-Hope, V and RM in front of the main gate of the Army's 5th Infantry Division
Fellow artist Halsey is pictured with the immensely popular boy band after attending one of their concerts in December 2021
'Once Jin resumes his solo performances it will definitely lead to an increase [in stock price],' Yoo told AFP.
HYBE's share price was up two per cent in early trading on Wednesday following Jin's release from military service.
'BTS accounts for a large proportion of profit in HYBE, it is very encouraging that the discharge of BTS members has begun,' said Yoo.
The next BTS member to finish their military service will be J-hope, who will be discharged in October. The rest of the band will complete their service in June 2025.
