Hey Lykkers! It's the moment fans has been counting down to — BTS is officially back. After more than two years of national service enlistment and solo projects, the world's biggest K-pop group is reuniting.

But here's the twist: the music scene they're stepping back into has changed — and not just a little.

South Korea's mandatory 18-month national service applies to all male citizens, and yes, even global superstars like BTS. Since 2022, the group has taken turns serving — a move designed to ensure no more than a few members were away at the same time. Now, with Suga being the last to complete his duty, the reunion is finally near.

The BTS Festa, held annually in Seoul around their anniversary, hit differently this year. Fans from around the globe gathered in Goyang despite the humid June heat. For them, this wasn't just another fan event — it was the end of a long, emotional wait.

A Changed Industry

While BTS paused, the K-pop landscape shifted. Groups like NewJeans, IVE, and Stray Kids rose in popularity, with trends moving fast and attention spans even faster. These newer generations brought fresh sounds, shorter songs tailored for TikTok, and experimental visuals that caught fire with younger fans.

A 13-year-old fan put it simply: "For teens, BTS kind of feels like they belong to an older generation." That doesn't mean BTS is irrelevant — far from it — but it does show how quickly the K-pop world evolves.

Missing the Giants

Without BTS, the industry felt different. Music critic Kim Young-dae said it best: "A core pillar was missing." BTS didn't just make hits — they drove the entire genre forward globally. Their absence was noticeable, and their return, many hope, could revive the excitement and global spotlight K-pop once basked in.

K-pop's Deeper Troubles

Beyond changing trends, K-pop has faced real challenges in BTS's absence. Album sales have dropped since peaking in 2023. Blackpink hasn't released a group album since 2022. Controversies have surfaced too — from internal disputes in major labels to accusations of artist mistreatment.

Pop culture critic Park Hee Ah notes, "We saw deeper problems in the K-pop industry," from declining sales to toxic fandom pressures. And with its biggest star group away, the cracks felt even wider.

What Now for BTS?

Leader RM has already said, "I will quickly make an album and return to the stage." But fans might have to wait just a bit longer. J-Hope has concerts scheduled, and Jin will be meeting fans globally in the coming months. Suga, after facing backlash over a past incident, may stay out of the spotlight for now.

Still, the reunion is real. And for millions, that's all that matters.