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BTS' Jungkook completed his eighteen months of military service tenure on June 11, 2025, officially making an appearance in front of the press in Yeoncheon. Jungkook was joined by Jimin, who was his military partner, as the two BTS members enlisted under the buddy system.
Clips and photos from the press appearance began circulating on social media around 8 am KST. While fans expressed their excitement over the K-pop idols' discharge, they noticed that the military duo exuded youth visuals.
Fans believed that the BTS members appeared much younger in the photos, and Jungkook, in particular, caught the eyes of fans. They turned to social media, calling him 'Baby Star Candy,' a name they use to showcase their affection.
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"FOREVER BABY STAR CANDY," a fan said.
"Military couldn't take the baby star candy out of jungkook I love life," a user added.
"I’m never letting the jungkook baby star candy agenda die," a netizen reacted.
Meanwhile, some fans also noted that Jungkook bore a striking resemblance to his teenage self.
"I CANT JUNGKOOK LOOKS LIKE HES BACK IN HIS TEENS WHY DOES HE LOOK YOUNGER," a fan stated.
"He looks like debut Jungkook and I can't handle it," a user wrote.
"So I've a question, how come they look younger?! Like what voodoo is this. They look like their 2013-2014 versions, howww !? And they are glowing, and look so so fresh. Bless them !! I'm sure a lot has to do with just how happy they are to be back," a netizen wrote.
Fans continued to share similar reactions about the BTS maknae's visuals after military service.
"Jungkook looks much more younger now but also way more mature.. wtf is happening bahahaha.. a hug from him would probably fix my life," a user said.
"Wjsbejeh what is this sorcery why does Jimin and Jungkook look so much younger? I was giggling the whole time cuz they're so shy. The way Jungkook was like saying it's fascinating looking at the amt of those mics and cam," a fan mentioned.
"Welcome back King! Jungkook looks so young and handsome! I swear he's aging backwards!" a netizen wrote.
“Encouraged me a lot”: BTS’ Jimin talks about enduring tough days with Jungkook's support in the military
BTS' Jungkook and Jimin started their first live session together at the HYBE LABELS headquarters following their official military discharge on June 11, 2025. The military duo shared several stories and anecdotes from their 18-month journey as active-duty soldiers. Jungkook revealed that Jimin was an "ace" and completed assigned tasks seamlessly.
The MUSE singer also shared the difficulties he faced in the rigorous environment of the military base. However, he revealed that he received encouragement from the Seven singer at the beginning. As time passed, when Jungkook faced hardships, Jimin gave him support.
Jimin said:
“Every moment was tough for me. Jungkook encouraged me a lot. “Oh, hyung, it’s already one day. Oh, hyung, it’s already a week.” Then it switched. Jungkook suffered later on, and I encouraged him, “Jungkook, it's already been a day.”
Notably, Jungkook and Jimin fulfilled their military obligations at the 5th Infantry Division of the army in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Following Jungkook and Jimin, Yoongi's (Suga) discharge from the military is said to mark the completion of all BTS members' service, on June 21, 2025.
