BTS’ V, also known as Kim Taehyung, enlisted in the South Korean military on December 11, 2023. He joined the Special Task Force of the Military Police Corps. Even while serving, V stayed active in music, entertainment, and charity. His military time didn’t stop his success—it made it even stronger.
Here are 20 major achievements by V during his 18 months of service:
1. Best-Selling Solo Album in Japan (2023)
His solo album Layover became the highest-ranked solo album in Japan’s 2023 year-end charts.
2. First Entry on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Charts
His duet “Wherever U R” with UMI entered Billboard’s R&B charts, marking a new step in his solo career.
3. First Seoul Music Awards Wins
V won two awards at the Seoul Music Awards in 2024, including Fan Choice of the Year.
4. Viral Acting in IU’s Music Video
He acted in IU’s “Love Wins All,” which went viral and gained over 95 million views.
5. Korea Brand Award Winner
V won Male Idol Variety Star at the 2024 Korea Brand Awards for his success in shows like Jinny’s Kitchen.
6. Number 1 Song Download in Korea
His English single “FRI(END)S” topped South Korea’s Circle Chart Download Chart.
7. Won K-pop Music Shows Without Performing
“FRI(END)S” won first place on M Countdown for two weeks without him promoting on stage.
8. First iHeartRadio Music Award as Soloist
Layover won Favorite Debut Album at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
9. Broke His Own U.K. Chart Record
“FRI(END)S” reached Number 13 on the U.K. Official Chart, his highest ranking yet.
10. Released First Photo Book
V released Type 1, a 224-page photo book showing his natural, relaxed self.
11. Won at The Fact Music Awards 3 Years in a Row
V won awards for each season at The Fact Music Awards from 2023 to 2025.
12. Hit 100 Million Views on YouTube
His Love Me Again music video surpassed 100 million views in under a year.
13. Award at the First Korea Grand Music Awards
V won Trend of the Year (Solo) at the first Korea Grand Music Awards in 2024.
14. Finally Won a MAMA Award
After many nominations, V won his first MAMA award in 2024 in the Fans’ Choice Top 10.
15. Duet With His Best Friend
He released “Winter Ahead,” a collaboration with his friend and Korean ballad singer Park Hyo Shin.
16. Duet With His Idol Bing Crosby
V released a duet version of “White Christmas” with late music legend Bing Crosby, with approval from the Crosby family.
17. Two Holiday Songs Hit Number 1
“Winter Ahead” and “White Christmas” both topped Billboard’s Holiday Digital Song Sales chart in December 2024.
18. Inspired Fans to Donate to Animal Welfare
After sharing the loss of his dog Yeontan, fans raised over 1 million won for animal charities in Yeontan’s memory.
19. Donated to Wildfire Recovery
V donated 200 million won to help with wildfire recovery efforts in Korea in March 2025.
20. Nominated at the First Music Awards Japan
Despite being in the military, V was nominated at the first-ever Music Awards Japan, showing his global influence.
Even while wearing a uniform, V kept breaking records, inspiring fans, and making history. His military service didn’t pause his career—it proved his power.
