Military enlistment in South Korea usually means a total media blackout. For global superstars, it’s like they’ve vanished into a void. But BTS member V, also known as Kim Taehyung, managed to turn his service into a lore-filled saga. While most idols keep it low-key, the steady stream of BTS V military friend photos has given us a raw, surprisingly high-definition look at what it actually looks like to serve in the Special Duty Team (SDT).
Kinda wild, right? We’re used to seeing him in Celine or Gucci. Suddenly, he’s in all-black tactical gear, looking like he walked off the set of an action movie. But these aren't just PR shots. They were mostly shared by the guys he lived with, ate with, and trained with.
What the SDT "Double Dragon" Photos Taught Us
Taehyung didn’t take the easy route. He applied for the Special Duty Team, an elite unit under the Capital Defense Command. Most of the photos we've seen—including those shared by his squad mates from the "Double Dragon" 2nd Division—show him in his signature black counter-terrorism uniform.
Honestly, the transformation was jarring for a lot of people. He went in lean and came out, well, "bulkier" is an understatement. One specific set of BTS V military friend photos that went viral in early 2025 showed him with his fellow soldiers after an intense training session. You could see the physical toll, but also the genuine camaraderie. These weren't just "fans" he was with; they were brothers-in-arms.
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One fellow soldier, who goes by the handle @win._.min_223 on Instagram, shared a whole carousel of images that basically broke the internet. These shots included:
- Candid group photos in a forest during field exercises.
- A goofy 4-cut photo booth session where they all looked like regular 20-somethings.
- Post-workout gym selfies that confirmed Taehyung’s goal of reaching a 75kg-80kg "bulk-up."
The Legend of "Sergeant Kim"
By the time February 2025 rolled around, Taehyung was officially "Sergeant Kim." He shared a few of his own updates, but the real gems came from the guys finishing their service before him. One soldier penned a long, heartfelt note thanking "Taehyung-hyung" for his leadership. Apparently, V wasn't just a face in the crowd. He was out there winning first place in full-arm shooting and winter city training.
There was even a mention of a Military Police Exemplary Award. He reportedly received this even after sustaining a minor injury. That’s the kind of detail you don't get from a press release. You only get it because a friend felt proud enough to post it on social media.
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The Song Kang Connection
In a bizarre "small world" moment, some of the BTS V military friend photos featured another massive star: Song Kang. Seeing two of Korea’s biggest visuals in a grainy gym selfie while serving their country was not on anyone’s 2025 bingo card. It humanized them. It showed that even at the peak of their careers, they were just guys doing their duty, sharing Haagen-Dazs at the PX (post exchange), and pushing each other to finish one more set of reps.
Why These Photos Matter for the 2025 Reunion
BTS is slated for a full-group comeback now that the members are finishing their service. Taehyung was discharged on June 10, 2025, alongside RM. The photos shared by his military friends serve as a bridge. They transitioned him from the "Winter Bear" idol into a matured, disciplined artist ready for the next chapter.
You’ve probably seen the "Love Me Tete" post he made right after his discharge. It was a nod to his time away, featuring a mix of goofy selfies and serious training shots. It’s clear he values those friendships. He didn't just survive the military; he thrived in it.
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Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking for the most authentic photos, stay away from the AI-upscaled "edits" floating around TikTok. They often distort his features. Instead, look for:
- Original Sources: Follow the verified accounts of his known military unit mates (like the aforementioned @win._.min_223) for the original context.
- Official Weverse Updates: Taehyung often uses the fan platform to explain the stories behind the photos his friends post.
- The "Visual Recovery" Period: Note that since his discharge in June 2025, he has been transitioning back to his "idol look," but the "military bulk" might stick around for his upcoming solo projects.
The era of BTS V military friend photos is technically over now that he's a civilian, but the impact of that 18-month journey is permanent. He didn't just serve; he led. And he made a few lifelong friends along the way.
To stay updated on his post-service activities, keep an eye on his official Instagram, where he’s already started teasing new music and fashion collaborations that reflect his new, more "rugged" aesthetic.