Wu Ruohan, an 18-year-old Chinese fan, said this was her “dream come true”.
Their release means that six of the seven members of BTS have now finished their service. The final member – Suga – is due out on Jun 21, bringing the group one step closer to reunion and new music.
Security moved the cordons to keep fans at bay as Jimin and Jungkook arrived, dressed in camouflage military uniforms, AFP journalists saw.
The K-pop idols, who have spent 18 months on the frontline with North Korea serving in the 5th Infantry Division Artillery Brigade, thanked the crowd for waiting for them.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in front of a camera, and I’m a bit embarrassed because I didn’t even put on makeup,” said Jungkook, who looked slightly flustered at the mass gathering.
Jimin confessed they had gone for a 5am jog, hoping to look their best.
The pair bowed to fans and media before getting into a black minivan and driving off, promising to speak on their superfan platform WeVerse later.
