From the moment Jimin swapped his sparkling stage outfits for military fatigues on December 12, 2023, the BTS superstar proved that serving his country did not mean stepping out of the spotlight. Over the following 18 months, he continued to release music, win major awards, break records, and give back to his community in meaningful ways. Now that his mandatory South Korean military service has concluded with his discharge on June 11, 2025—alongside fellow BTS member Jung Kook—here are 20 standout accomplishments Jimin achieved while in uniform.
1. Released "Closer Than This" Single for Fans
Shortly after enlisting, Jimin surprised ARMY with a holiday gift: the fan-dedicated track "Closer Than This." The song was originally recorded during sessions for his 2023 solo album "Face," but it took on new meaning as a heartfelt thank-you during his service. The release demonstrated his commitment to staying connected with fans even while away, and it set a warm, communicative tone for the months ahead. The track also served as a reminder that his artistry continues to flourish, as he found ways to share new music despite the demanding schedule of military life.
2. Clinched a Main Award Win at the 2024 Seoul Music Awards
Just one month into his military service, Jimin received a main "Bonsang" award at the 33rd Seoul Music Awards on January 2, 2024. The honor arrived as a reminder that his solo work continued to resonate with audiences in South Korea and beyond, even as he fulfilled his conscription duties. It also marked an early sign that his absence from the stage would not diminish his influence in the industry. Bonsang awards are highly competitive, and Jimin's win underscored the strength of his solo catalog following the release of "Face" earlier that year.
3. Inducted Into the Namgu Hometown Love Donor Hall of Fame
In February 2024, Jimin was recognized for his philanthropic contributions by being inducted into the Namgu Hometown Love Donation System's Hall of Fame. The honor came after he donated five million Korean won (approximately $3,650) to the neighborhood in Busan where his father runs a cafe. The Hall of Fame recognizes donors who have given more than three million Korean won, and at the time of his gift, only seven members had been inducted. The donation highlighted his deep connection to his roots and his desire to support the local community that helped shape him.
4. Dominated His First Hanteo Music Awards With Multiple Trophies
Although it was his first time being nominated for the Hanteo Music Awards as a soloist, Jimin walked away with three victories in February 2024. He earned an Artist of the Year honor, as well as Global Artist Awards for both the Oceania and South America regions. The sweep was a clear demonstration of his global appeal, as fans from different parts of the world rallied behind him during his military service. It also proved that his solo career had established a strong international footprint independent of BTS' collective success.
5. Earned a Spot on the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40
When Forbes Korea revealed its 2024 Power Celebrity list on April 24, 2024, Jimin ranked Number Seven—the highest position for any K-pop solo star. The ranking reflected his massive influence in music, fashion, and pop culture, even while he was serving in the military. Being named to this annual list is a significant achievement, as it measures star power across various metrics including media presence, social media engagement, and public impact. Jimin's placement above all other solo K-pop acts underscored his enduring relevance.
6. Provided Funds to Create Educational Scholarships
In May 2024, Jimin made a generous donation of 100 million Korean won (more than $73,000) to the South Gyeongsang Provincial Office of Education. The funds were designated to create scholarships for underprivileged students, furthering his commitment to empowering young people's futures. This act of generosity aligned with BTS' long-standing messages of self-love and dreaming big, as the group has often spoken about the importance of education and supporting the next generation. Jimin's scholarship fund has helped provide opportunities for students who might otherwise face financial barriers.
7. Starred in a Disney+ Travel Series With Jung Kook
During their first summer away from fans, Jimin and Jung Kook starred in the eight-episode Disney+ travel reality show "Are You Sure?!" The series aired from August 8 to September 19, 2024, and gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the duo's genuine chemistry and global adventures. Filmed before their enlistment, the show became a comforting presence for ARMY, allowing them to see their favorite artists in relaxed, joyful settings. The series was praised for its heartwarming moments and for showcasing the bond between the two BTS members.
8. Dropped Sophomore Solo Album "Muse"
Despite being mid-service, Jimin released his second solo album, "Muse," on July 19, 2024. The project featured an eclectic mix of tracks, including the experimental pre-release single "Smeraldo Garden Marching Band" featuring rapper Loco, the globally focused English lead single "Who," and the Sofia Carson duet "Slow Dance." The album showcased Jimin's expanding artistry and willingness to explore new sounds. "Muse" was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, cementing his status as a versatile and innovative solo artist.
9. Topped the Digital Song Sales Chart for a Historic Sixth Time
When "Who" debuted atop Billboard's Digital Song Sales chart on August 3, 2024, it marked Jimin's sixth solo Number One on that ranking. This achievement made him the Korean soloist with the most chart-toppers in the history of the U.S. chart, surpassing his previous tie with BTS band mate Jung Kook. The milestone was particularly impressive because it occurred while Jimin was serving in the military, proving that his music could dominate charts without traditional promotional activities. Additionally, "Who" became his first single to debut at No. 1 on both Billboard's Global 200 and the Global Excl. US charts, demonstrating his worldwide popularity.
10. Supported Soldiers' Families With Another Big Gift
After his scholarship donation earlier in the year, Jimin continued his philanthropic streak in September 2024 with another 100 million Korean won gift. This time, he directed the funds to support scholarships and provide aid for living and medical expenses for families of fellow service members facing hardship. The donation showed his empathy and understanding of the challenges that military families often face. It also reinforced his reputation as a socially conscious artist who uses his resources to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
11. Appointed to the Honor Society of a Community Chest Branch
In late 2024, the Community Chest of Korea's Chungnam branch inducted Jimin into its honor society. The appointment recognized his ongoing dedication to philanthropic leadership, particularly his recent donation aimed at supporting soldiers' families. The Community Chest is one of South Korea's most prominent charity organizations, and being named to its honor society is a testament to Jimin's generosity and commitment to social welfare. His induction inspired fans to also contribute to the cause, amplifying the impact of his giving.
12. Hit a Milestone on U.S. Pop Radio
American radio has historically been one of the toughest markets for K-pop artists to crack, but Jimin achieved a significant milestone on October 5, 2024, when "Who" reached No. 26 on Billboard's Pop Airplay chart. The song spent 10 weeks as one of the biggest hits on Top 40 radio in the U.S., surpassing his previous radio peak as a soloist. His earlier single "Angel, Pt. 1" with Kodak Black, NLE Choppa, JVKE, and Muni Long peaked at No. 25 but only charted for six weeks. This new milestone demonstrated Jimin's ability to connect with mainstream pop audiences across the United States.
13. Won His First Solo Trophy at the MTV EMAs
At the 2024 MTV European Music Awards, held in Manchester, England, Jimin snagged the Best K-Pop award. This was his first solo trophy at the EMAs, and it came as a recognition of his continued dominance in the K-pop genre on a European stage. The award was especially meaningful given that Jimin could not attend the ceremony in person due to his military obligations. His win underscored the global reach of his music and the dedication of his European fan base.
14. Secured Both Fan’s Choice and a Daesang at MAMA 2024
At the 2024 MAMA Awards, Jimin took home one of the night's biggest honors: the Visa Fans' Choice of the Year Daesang. A Daesang is a top prize awarded to only one artist, making this a remarkable achievement for a soloist during his military service. In addition to the Daesang, Jimin was also among the Fans' Choice Top 10 – Male winners, alongside band mates RM, V, and Jung Kook. The recognition served as an ultimate showcase of the relentless global fan support that carried him through his first year of enlistment.
15. Donated to the Busan Habitat Challenge
Jimin further demonstrated his dedication to his hometown of Busan by donating 30 million Korean won (approximately $22,000) to the Busan Habitat Challenge. The project aims to improve living conditions for elderly residents in the city. This donation, delivered in late 2024, highlighted his consistent focus on community welfare. It also aligned with his previous contributions to Busan, including the earlier donation to the Namgu neighborhood. Jimin's supporters often note his genuine care for both his local community and broader social causes.
16. Landed on Madame Tussauds’ Hot 100 List
In February 2025, Jimin's global star power was immortalized with his inclusion on the Madame Tussauds Hot 100 list. The list recognizes the world's most influential entertainers across acting, music, fashion, sports, and culture. According to the famous wax museum, the Hot 100 "blends Madame Tussauds’ historical expertise in recognizing lasting fame with cutting-edge data analysis, making it a distinct and anticipative guide to the stars shaping tomorrow’s cultural landscape." Jimin made the 2025 list alongside K-pop stars like Jung Kook, Cha Eunwoo, Chung Ha, Rosé, and Lisa, solidifying his place among internationally celebrated icons.
17. Captured K-Pop Song of the Year With iHeartRadio
"Who" claimed the K-Pop Song of the Year award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 17, 2025. This win added another U.S. radio milestone to Jimin's military-era resume, following the success of "Who" on Billboard's Pop Airplay chart. The iHeartRadio award is decided by fan voting, demonstrating the strength and dedication of ARMY. Jimin's ability to secure such honors while not actively promoting on music shows or social media speaks to the powerful connection he has maintained with his audience.
18. Broke BTS’ Record for Longest-Charting Hot 100 Song by a K-Pop Act
On the Billboard chart dated March 20, 2025, "Who" spent its 33rd week on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking the record previously held by BTS' own "Dynamite" for the longest-charting track by a K-pop act in U.S. history. This was a historic moment not just for Jimin but for the entire K-pop genre, as it underscored the genre's growing prominence in the American mainstream. The achievement also highlighted Jimin's consistent streaming and sales numbers over the months, even as he remained away from the typical promotional circuit.
19. Earned a Favorite K-Pop Artist Nomination at the 2025 AMAs
When the American Music Awards unveiled its 2025 nominations on April 23, 2025, Jimin earned his first AMA nomination as a soloist for Favorite K-Pop Artist. The nomination came just a few weeks before his discharge and served as yet another testament to his sustained impact. While winning would have been an added bonus, just being nominated placed him in an elite group of K-pop acts recognized by one of the biggest award shows in the U.S. It also provided further proof that his solo career remained powerful during his time in the military.
20. Exhibited His Solo Career in NYC
With just days until his discharge, "The Truth Untold" exhibit launched in New York City on May 31, 2025, allowing fans to step directly into Jimin's creative process. According to Time Out New York, the exhibition features handwritten lyric notebooks, production diaries, and behind-the-scenes footage from recording sessions, dance practices, and live performances. The immersive space offered a deep dive into the making of his solo albums "Face" and "Muse." It served as a beautiful celebration of his artistry, giving fans a way to connect with his work as he prepared to return to civilian life.
Source: Forbes News