A thousand dedicated BTS fans are eagerly queuing in Seoul on Thursday for a special hug from Jin, marking his return to the spotlight after 18 months of military service. This three-hour marathon event is his first public appearance since being discharged from the army on Wednesday.

The fans, selected through a raffle, are ecstatic about the chance to meet Jin. “I’m so happy now that I will meet Jin,” said Ms. Park, a 32-year-old fan who was among the lucky winners. Despite initial disbelief, she shared her excitement about travelling to the capital for this unique opportunity.

Jin, 31, and the oldest member of the globally renowned boy band BTS, began his mandatory military service in December 2022. During his service, he worked as an assistant drill instructor at a South Korean military training center. His return marks the first discharge among the BTS members, with the remaining six – J-Hope, V, RM, Jimin, Jung Kook, and Suga – still serving. The band is anticipated to reunite fully in June 2025.

To celebrate Jin’s return, the other BTS members took time off to reunite with him briefly on Wednesday, much to the delight of their fans. Jin expressed his gratitude in a livestream, saying, “Thank you for waiting for me, I love you. I will try to express my feelings tomorrow.”

In addition to the hugathon, Jin will engage with 3,000 more fans in another event where he will perform songs and share messages with his audience. Fans from all over the world, like Vanessa May Leuterio from the Philippines, have traveled to attend the event, underscoring their dedication and love for the band.

However, the hugathon has not been without controversy. Concerns have been raised about the physical demands on Jin, who will be hugging a thousand fans in three hours. Additionally, fans have expressed worries about his safety and the potential for impostors among the attendees.

The event’s qualification rules also sparked backlash. Initially, fans were required to join the ARMY fan club and purchase BTS albums from a specific website to enter the raffle, with more purchases increasing their chances. This led to accusations that HYBE, the band’s management company, was using the event to clear unsold album stock. Following the uproar, HYBE apologized and relaxed the entry criteria.

Jin addressed the controversy during his livestream, emphasizing that the event was planned with good intentions and asking for understanding from the fans.

As Jin returns, the anticipation for BTS’ full comeback grows. Despite concerns about the band’s ability to maintain its success after the hiatus, music critics and fans remain optimistic. “BTS will be perceived as older,” said music critic Lim Hee-yun, but he believes the band’s long-standing fan base will continue to support them.

Fans like Samantha, a 20-year-old who has been following BTS for a decade, remain loyal. “I like their music, not their popularity,” she said, expressing her confidence that BTS’ connection with their fans will endure.

Jin’s return marks a significant moment for BTS and their fans, symbolizing hope and continuity for the future of the world’s most famous boy band.