On March 20, 2026, BTS released “Arirang”— their first comeback since every member completed South Korea‘s mandatory military service. It isn’t an overstatement to say it was one of the most anticipated pop comeback in recent memory.
They’ve titled their comeback album after a Korean folk song, weaving a story that was also inspired by the story of seven young Koreans who actually studied abroad.Given that premise, the education of BTS is more relevant than ever.
So, here’s where the globally renowned seven-member South Korean boy band studied.
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Jin: Scouted on his way to university
Of the seven members, Jin is the only one who attended a university that was not primarily online.
He pursued his passion at Konkuk University, graduating with a Film Studies degree. Interestingly, he was scouted by a Big Hit Entertainment representative on a bus, on his very first day heading to campus.
He said yes to the audition, but he didn’t quit school.
Jin later enrolled in Hanyang Cyber University’s master’s programme. Some reported that he’s focusing on areas outside of music, and he was frequently associated with the same Master of Business Administration (MBA) but it’s not clear what he’s pursuing.
Global Cyber University: The education of BTS’ six members
For six of the seven members, higher education came through a different route — one built around flexibility rather than campus life.
RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook all graduated from Global Cyber University with a Broadcasting and Entertainment degree.
Hanyang Cyber University: BTS’ choice for graduate studies
The education of BTS didn’t stop with just bachelor degrees. RM, Suga, and J-Hope enrolled in Hanyang Cyber University’s graduate school for an MBA in Advertising and Media, with Jimin and V entering the same programme shortly after.
Jungkook is the only member who have not enrolled in a graduate programme.
Comparing the education of BTS
| Member | Bachelor’s degree | Institution | Graduate study |
| Jin | Film & Visual Studies | Konkuk University | Unclear |
| RM | Broadcasting & Entertainment | Global Cyber University | MBA in Advertising & Media, Hanyang Cyber University |
| Suga | Broadcasting & Entertainment | Global Cyber University | MBA in Advertising & Media, Hanyang Cyber University |
| J-Hope | Broadcasting & Entertainment | Global Cyber University | MBA in Advertising & Media, Hanyang Cyber University |
| Jimin | Broadcasting & Entertainment | Global Cyber University | MBA in Advertising & Media, Hanyang Cyber University |
| V | Broadcasting & Entertainment | Global Cyber University | MBA in Advertising & Media, Hanyang Cyber University |
| Jungkook | Broadcasting & Entertainment | Global Cyber University | — |
Self-learning for the win
No conversation about BTS and education is complete without talking about Kim Namjoon — RM — and the extraordinary intellectual life he has built outside any formal curriculum.
RM taught himself English largely by watching the American sitcomFriends, a fact he has mentioned in interviews over the years.
The self-education didn’t stop at language. RM is a voracious reader — one with a following so dedicated that fan communities have built entire archival projects tracking his recommendations across years of interviews, Weverse posts, and social media updates.
Other members such as Suga and J-Hope also largely taught themselves music production.
Arirang sold nearly 4 million copies in its first day. Source: BTS
Shaping a generation of youths
BTS confirmed that the album was named after a centuries-old Korean folk song long associated with emotions of connection, distance, and reunion. The album was described as “a deeply reflective body of work” exploring the group’s “identity and roots.”
All seven members spent two months under one roof in Los Angeles to create the album. As RM has noted, this is a return to the way they began, when seven young men shared a single room and figured out how to become BTS.
This comeback is especially meaningful for ARMY — BTS’s global fanbase. Many of these fans have been inspired to learn Korean and take an interest in Korean history and culture, or simply believe that curiosity is worth pursuing.
And now, as BTS comes back after almost four years, class is back in session for ARMYs everywhere.
Frequently asked questions about the education of BTS
What is Global Cyber University in South Korea?
Cyber universities are government-accredited online institutions in South Korea, offering flexible, remote-based degree programmes. They’re a popular choice among K-pop idols and working professionals who need to balance demanding schedules with formal education.
Global Cyber University (GCU) is a fully accredited, four-year online higher education institution based in South Korea. It’s the alma mater of several prominent K-Pop idols, and has earned the nickname “BTS University” among fans.
Hanyang Cyber University, the two schools attended by BTS members, are among the most well-known in this category.
Is BTS’s education related to their military service?
No. Their agency explicitly stated in 2020 that the members’ enrolment in graduate school at Hanyang Cyber University was unrelated to military service deferment.
All seven members have since completed South Korea’s mandatory military service, finishing before their 2026 comeback.
Are RM’s reading habits part of a formal education?
No — RM’s wide-ranging reading and self-taught English are independent of his formal degree. They reflect ongoing self-directed learning rather than coursework, though fans often cite them as evidence of his intellectual curiosity.
Disclaimer: This article was updated on June 30, 2026.
