BTS is back after 3 years, but ARMY never left: How the global fandom stood by them through thick and thin

It’s the day ARMY has been waiting for since BTS first announced their hiatus during the 2022 Festa. Since then, we’ve watched their solo debuts, supported them through every performance, and shed tears as each member enlisted for military service. Now, the wait is almost over. Today, RM and V return—and tomorrow, Jungkook and Jimin follow. A three-year break did not reduce the love; it in fact, increased it. Suga, will join by June 21.

BTS', ARMY has been not only counting down since the boys went to military, they have also been constantly streaming their songs, ensuring that the songs reached Billboard charts. For instance, right after all of them enlisted, ARMY charted the band's debut song, No More Dream, till it hit high numbers on streaming charts. That's not all: During Suga's DUI case, ARMYs all over the world expressed their support for him, documented evidence and waded through misinformation that was spreadl, to clear his name. His posters were plastered everywhere, with fans expressing support for him across cities. And now, finally as the boys return, there is a celebration across South Korea. The country has turned purple in celebration. Fountains glow with violet light, and massive stone letters spelling “WE ARE BACK” adorn the HYBE building and its surroundings. While fans everywhere wait with bated breath for the “BTS is Live” notification on Weverse, the boys are getting ready to come home.

Posters, pop-up stores have filled the streets, buses are plastered with BTS photos.

The band celebrates their 12th anniversary on June 13, and plans are already in motion. The 2025 BTS Festa — the annual celebration marking BTS’s debut on June 13 — is set to take place at Kintex in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, from June 13 to 14, just days after all members except Suga complete their military service. Excitement is building among fans, with speculation swirling about potential surprise appearances or special events involving all seven members.

As the agency revealed, this year’s Festa, which officially kicked off on June 1, boasts a larger-than-ever setup, featuring over 20 exhibition booths spread across two halls. Key attractions include a dazzling light show and photo zone centered around a giant “Army Bomb” (BTS’s official light stick), a “Voice Zone” playing heartfelt messages from the members, a “Trophy Zone” showcasing BTS’s milestones, and a “BTS Locker” exhibit filled with personal items from the group.

For ARMYs who can’t attend in person, BTS has planned a lineup of online content from June 2 to 13. Highlights include “Hoseokjin Photos,” “Anchor Showdown,” “Hoseokjin’s 12:00,” and “20130613 Congratulations,” giving fans around the world a way to join in the celebration.