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BTS’ Jungkook has once again demonstrated his global star power, creating an online frenzy following his official discharge from the South Korean military on June 11. Alongside fellow member Jimin, Jungkook made his first public appearance in over a year and a half, and his return quickly became one of the most talked-about moments on the internet.
The reunion moment at Yeoncheon Public Stadium was captured and shared widely, sparking a massive spike in online interest. Jungkook’s name surged to the top of Google Trends in South Korea, registering a staggering 300% increase in searches. He was also the No. 1 breakout search term nationally. On social media, the impact was equally explosive. On X (formerly Twitter), Jungkook-related hashtags dominated trends globally, with “JUNGKOOK IS COMING BACK” hitting the top spot worldwide. The platform recorded over 8.3 million interactions related to his discharge alone.
His popularity extended beyond Korean platforms like Naver, Weibo, and Melon, with fans across the globe fueling his rise to the top of search engines, especially in the US. Within hours, Korean media outlets published over 1,000 articles covering his discharge, testament to the immense public interest and excitement surrounding his return.
Fans reacted with overwhelming enthusiasm. Many praised his unshakable presence despite an 18-month hiatus, calling him the “undisputed King of SNS,” “national treasure,” and “South Korea’s It Boy.” Some went as far as to say Jungkook wasn’t just back—he had reasserted himself as “the main character” in global pop culture.
At Yeoncheon, Jungkook spoke to fans, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and patience throughout his service. He later held a livestream where he reflected on his military life, read letters from TXT, and showed off playful photobooth pictures with Jimin. The broadcast added a personal touch to the celebration, making his return even more special for ARMY.
Jungkook’s discharge has not only marked the end of his military service but also the beginning of a new era in his career—one that, judging by the response, will be met with even greater anticipation and love.