Yesterday, Kim Nam-joon aka RM and Kim Tae-hyung aka V, members of the Korean boy band BTS, put on their first public show in 18 months in South Korea’s Chuncheon. Fresh off their mandatory military service and dressed in forest camouflage uniform, RM picked up a saxophone and belted an impromptu saxophone solo to roaring cheers from fans, who are ironically dubbed ARMYs. With subsequent discharges lined up for today and June 21, the seven-piece band is all set for a comeback for old times’ sake.

Fans hold a life-sized image of BTS member Suga. PICS COURTESY/MUMBAI BTS

Far from Chuncheon, the roars are echoing here in Mumbai. A homecoming celebration by Mumbai BTS, the largest fan club in the city, will coincide with the band’s 12th anniversary on June 13. “The last time we saw the band together was in 2022. It calls for a retrospective, a celebration, and a slow evening with fans who share the same love,” admits founder Ayushre Tari.