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On December 18, 2024, BTS member Jungkook surprised fans with an unexpected Weverse live session. This marked his first live appearance since enlisting in December 2023. The session, lasting over two and a half hours, quickly became a global sensation as Jungkook shared updates on his military service and expressed how much he missed his fans.
During the session, Jungkook revealed his current rank as Corporal, Paygrade 4, in the South Korean military. He hinted at a possible promotion to Sergeant, Paygrade 1, which he anticipates achieving in March 2025. As translated by an X user @JJK_Times, he said:
"Currently, my rank is Corporal, Paygrade 4. I think I’ll probably be promoted to Sergeant, Paygrade 1 in March next year. I’ve gained some weight. You noticed that, right? I felt I’d really want to do live during this leave, so I tried to stay fit for it."
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Jungkook also revealed that he has been preparing diligently for the promotion by running 5 kilometers daily and maintaining a fitness routine. His fans took to social media to applaud his dedication and celebrated his achievements with congratulatory messages. An X user, @tine_jjk_ wrote,
"I'm so proud of you."
Many also expressed admiration for how the idol shares updates with his fans in a manner akin to chatting with close friends.
"Soo good to hear this news. proud of u.... U r doing great there," an X user wrote.
"He is sharing with us like we're his besties and ofcourse we're," a fan commented.
"Bro talking about his government paygrade like he ain't just show us his new house's basement karaoke lounge," a user remarked.
"I don't know what any of that means but I'm so proud of you sweetie," a person mentioned.
Others expressed their feelings, reminiscing about how much they had missed the idol’s live sessions.
"Happy to see you alive and kicking. Still so handsome, looking healthy and your beautiful voice still in tuck . Been praying for you JK. And praying still that you would see it through with still six months remaining. Love you and miss you so much," an X user wrote.
"mg that’s awesome!!!! So proud of you Jungkookie!!!," another fan commented.
More about BTS' Jungkook's military and his recent Weverse live
For those unfamiliar with the updates, Jungkook, along with BTS members Jimin and Taehyung (V), was promoted to Corporal in September 2024.
They enlisted together with RM in December 2023. The Goondori app, a military tracker in South Korea, confirmed their rank advancements from Private First Class to Corporal earlier this year.
Throughout the live session, Jungkook avoided performing BTS group songs, stating he preferred to sing those with all the members once they reunite.
Instead, he delighted fans with tracks from his solo album GOLDEN, including 3D, Too Sad to Dance, and Somebody.
He also explored covers, such as Magnetic by ILLIT’s AI-generated version and an acapella rendition of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s Die With a Smile.
The surprise live amassed an astonishing 292 million likes and 20.2 million views. This broke his previous record with the most number of real-time viewers in a live.
