BTS members V and Jungkook, along with actor Song Kang, have stunned fans with their impressive physical transformations during military service, showcasing bulked-up physiques in recent gym photos.
Unexpected Gym Reunion Sparks Excitement
On May 3, 2025, bodybuilder and fitness trainer Choi Han Jin shared several photos on Instagram, featuring V, Jungkook, and Song Kang working out together at his gym. The images quickly went viral, thrilling fans who rarely see updates from the stars during their military service.
The photos showed the trio flexing their well-defined muscles, with V and Jungkook dressed in matching black outfits, highlighting their toned arms and broader shoulders. Song Kang, known for his roles in dramas like Nevertheless and Sweet Home, joined them, adding to the excitement of this unexpected meetup.
“Can’t believe the two young men my wife watches every day in videos are now standing in front of me. They carry a calm but solid energy. The way they approach each exercise shows real dedication and focus.”
— Choi Han Jin on Instagram
Choi Han Jin praised their commitment, noting their “sincere focus in every aspect of their workout” and impressive muscle strength. He added that their physiques were proof of their hard work, even amidst military duties.
Fans Celebrate Dramatic Transformations
The viral photos left fans in awe of the stars’ physical changes. V, often recognized for his soft, princely visuals, now displays a rugged, masculine look with significantly bulked-up arms and shoulders. Jungkook, a known fitness enthusiast, continues to impress with his sculpted build, showing even more muscle definition than before enlistment. Song Kang also appeared fit and polished, maintaining his healthy appearance during service.
Social media erupted with reactions from fans, particularly those of the Taekook (V and Jungkook) duo, who were thrilled to see the pair together.
“Do you all realize how insane Taekook is making me right now?!”
“Am I dreaming, or did I actually just see Taekook together?”
“This is hands down the hottest duo to ever exist!”
“Taehyung and Song Kang in a K-drama together, please!”
— Fans on social media platforms
Many fans called the trio’s gym session a “muscle showdown,” with some suggesting a K-drama casting featuring V, Jungkook, and Song Kang due to their striking visuals and camaraderie.
Military Service Details and Fitness Goals
V and Jungkook enlisted in December 2023, with V joining the elite Special Duty Team (SDT) under the Army Capital Defense Command for anti-terrorism operations, and Jungkook enlisting alongside Jimin under the Companion Soldier system at the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province. Song Kang began his mandatory service in April 2023 and is expected to be discharged on October 1, 2025.
Before enlistment, V shared his goal to reach a weight of 86 kilograms, up from his pre-military 62 kilograms. In January 2025, he confirmed achieving a weight of 82 kilograms, with visible muscle gains noted in earlier viral photos. Jungkook, who weighed 70 kilograms before enlistment, aimed for an ambitious 98 kilograms, and his recent photos suggest he’s well on his way.
“I’m on my way back after filming! I’ve reached my target weight, around 82 kg now.”
— V responding to a fan on Weverse, January 26, 2025
Song Kang, while not publicly sharing specific fitness goals, has maintained a consistent workout routine, evident in his toned appearance alongside the BTS members.
BTS and Song Kang’s Military Timeline
The BTS members are nearing the end of their mandatory military service. V and RM are scheduled for discharge on June 10, 2025, followed by Jungkook and Jimin on June 11, 2025. Suga, serving as a social service agent, will complete his service on June 21, 2025. Jin and J-Hope were discharged in June and October 2024, respectively.
Song Kang, who enlisted earlier, continues to serve diligently, with fans noting his healthy and fit appearance in the recent gym photos. His discharge in October 2025 will mark the end of his 18-month service.
Fan Anticipation for BTS Reunion
The gym photos have heightened excitement for BTS’s planned reunion in 2025. HYBE’s CEO, Lee Jae Sang, emphasized that the group is taking careful steps to prepare for their comeback, acknowledging their status as global artists.
“BTS members are scheduled to complete their military service by the end of the first half of this year, and they will need time to prepare and work on their comeback activities afterwards.”
— Lee Jae Sang, HYBE CEO
J-Hope, in a recent interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, hinted at a sooner-than-expected reunion, expressing excitement about the group’s future plans.
“I think that over time, we each refined our unique identities as each of us works on their own music, comes out with their solo projects, and does their own thing. We will meet soon and plan things quickly.”
— J-Hope on Apple Music
Fans are eagerly awaiting BTS’s return as a full group, with the recent gym photos fueling anticipation for their evolved visuals and potential new projects.
Song Kang’s Acting Career and Military Service
Song Kang, a rising star in the K-drama industry, is known for roles in Love Alarm (2019–2021), Sweet Home (2020–2024), Navillera (2021), Nevertheless (2021), Forecasting Love and Weather (2022), and My Demon (2023–2024). His debut came in 2017 with a supporting role in The Liar and His Lover.
His appearance with V and Jungkook has sparked fan calls for a collaborative project, with many praising Sweet Home Season 3, released in 2024, further solidified his popularity. Song Kang’s fit physique in the gym photos suggests he’s maintaining his health during service, keeping fans hopeful for his return to acting post-discharge.
Social Media Buzz and Cultural Impact
The gym photos dominated social media, with hashtags like #Taekook, #BTSMilitary, and #SongKang trending worldwide. Fans praised the trio’s dedication, with some comparing V’s physique to “Captain Korea” and Jungkook’s to action-hero levels. The images also highlighted the strong bond between V and Jungkook, a fan-favorite duo since BTS’s debut in 2013.
The trio’s commitment to fitness during military service reflects South Korea’s emphasis on physical discipline for enlisted soldiers, resonating with fans who see their idols thriving in challenging circumstances.
Recent Updates on V, Jungkook, and Song Kang
As of May 4, 2025, V and Jungkook continue to serve in their respective military units, with fans eagerly awaiting their discharge in June. V recently shared a promotional video for the Special Duty Team, showcasing his sergeant role, while Jungkook has been spotted in training drills alongside Jimin. Song Kang remains active in his service, with the recent gym photos being his first major public update in months. Fans are hopeful for more glimpses of the trio before their discharges, with excitement building for BTS’s 2025 reunion and Song Kang’s return to K-dramas.
CREDITS: @bts.bighitssofficial/Instagram
