BTS Completes Military Service While BLACKPINK Nears 1000 Days Without a Comeback
The K-pop world is experiencing two contrasting yet equally impactful narratives: the celebratory return of BTS from military service and the prolonged absence of BLACKPINK, which has now stretched to 1,000 days without a group comeback.
Between June 10 and 11, BTS members RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook completed their military duties and were officially discharged. With only SUGA remaining, scheduled to finish his public service by June 21, anticipation for BTS’s full-group comeback has reached a fever pitch. Social media platforms are abuzz with hashtags and tributes as fans welcome back the global superstars.
BLINKs Count 1,000 Days Without BLACKPINK
In stark contrast, BLACKPINK’s last group release was their full-length album Born Pink and its lead single Shut Down, launched in September 2022. Following a brief promotion cycle, the group embarked on the Born Pink World Tour, which ran from October 2022 to September 2023. Since then, there have been no new group releases, marking 1,000 days without a comeback a rarity for any active K-pop act.
Despite this extended hiatus, BLACKPINK remains an anomaly. In a genre known for its rapid turnover, especially among girl groups, the group’s popularity has endured. Typically, six months without a release is enough to alarm fans—but BLACKPINK’s brand has remained strong even during their so-called “hibernation.”
Solo Paths, Global Presence
Over the past year, all four members have pursued individual careers:
- Jennie launched her own label ODD ATELIER and released her solo project RUBY.
- Lisa established her company LLOUD, released her album Alter Ego, and graced prestigious international stages.
- Rosé went viral with her track APT. and elevated her status with the album Rosie.
- Jisoo focused on acting and released her E.P Amortage while holding an Asia-wide fan meeting tour.
These personal milestones have kept the BLACKPINK name alive globally, further intensifying the demand for a group return.
BTS Readies for Return, BLACKPINK Begins to Stir
BTS‘s label Big Hit Music has confirmed that the group will return with a new album and world tour in the latter half of 2025, marking their full return after 18 months of service. Expectations are high for Jungkook, whose solo hits Seven and Standing Next to You broke global records.
While BTS is preparing for a comeback, BLACKPINK‘s timeline is finally showing signs of movement. On July 5, the group will officially reunite on stage in Korea to kick off their new world tour, titled DEADLINE. Although there is no information about a new album, the announcement signals the end of their group hiatus.
As BTS wraps up its military chapter and BLACKPINK prepares for a long-awaited reunion, the stage is set for a clash of titans in the global music scene. BLACKPINK‘s return—after 1,000 days of absence—has the potential to be a cultural and musical earthquake, reminding the world why they remain one of the most influential girl groups of all time.
