At the 35th Golden Disc Awards (GDA) in 2021, BTS stole the spotlight once again, not only through their powerful performances and impressive awards sweep but also through a moment that warmed the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. Among the glitz, glamour, and excitement of the night, one unexpected appearance sent a wave of emotion across ARMY: Min Yoongi, known as SUGA, made a surprise red carpet appearance after being away from the spotlight for over two months due to shoulder surgery recovery.
While Jungkook’s striking new blonde hair had already caused a stir online, it was SUGA’s return to public life that truly tugged at the emotional strings of fans. Dressed elegantly, looking a bit slimmer but as composed and charismatic as ever, SUGA stood alongside his members for the red carpet event. It was a brief yet deeply significant moment, not just for BTS, but for the millions who had been waiting and hoping to see OT7 back together in person.
To understand the gravity of this moment, it’s important to recall the reason behind SUGA’s absence. In November 2020, SUGA underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury he had struggled with for several years. This condition, officially known as posterior labral tear, had long affected his comfort and range of motion, especially during performances and daily life activities. Despite his strong will and persistence to keep up with group activities, the pain had become increasingly difficult to manage.
In true SUGA fashion, the decision to proceed with surgery was made not just for his own wellbeing, but for the longevity of BTS and their future schedules. He knew that if he wanted to keep performing at the highest level, he needed to take time off now to heal properly. The announcement of the surgery was met with an outpouring of support from fans, who understood his dedication but missed him dearly during promotions.
Though SUGA stayed connected with ARMY during his recovery through VLive updates and heartfelt Weverse Magazine interviews, his absence was still deeply felt during events like the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). During that ceremony, BTS won Album of the Year, one of the biggest honors of the night. As the members stood on stage to accept the award, Jimin pulled out his phone and called SUGA, placing the device near the microphone so fans could hear his voice. SUGA’s heartfelt speech over the phone was short but deeply touching. He expressed his gratitude, his longing to be with his brothers and fans, and reassured everyone that he was doing his best to recover. Many fans were moved to tears, knowing how much he longed to be on stage.
So when SUGA appeared at the Golden Disc Awards red carpet, physically present with the other six members, it felt like a healing moment. It wasn’t just about the visual impact of OT7 being complete again, it was emotional closure for many who had followed every update of his recovery journey with concern and love. Seeing him back in a BTS lineup, even if he wasn’t yet fully returning to stage performances, signified resilience, hope, and unity.
For BTS, the presence of each member holds deep importance. Their dynamic is not just about seven talented individuals; it’s about the collective bond they’ve built through years of shared experiences, hardships, and triumphs. When even one member is missing, the void is strongly felt, by fans and by the group themselves. During SUGA’s absence, BTS often mentioned him during interviews and speeches, visibly feeling his absence. His return, even in a limited capacity, restored a sense of normalcy and joy among them.
Fans took to Twitter, Weverse, and Instagram, flooding timelines with messages of joy, relief, and celebration. Hashtags like #YoongiIsBack, #OT7Forever, and #GoldenDiscAwards2021 quickly trended worldwide. Some fans shared side-by-side photos of BTS with and without SUGA from recent months, noting how complete the group looked now. Others posted emotional edits, gifs, and reaction videos, capturing the raw happiness that came with his surprise appearance.
Though he did not perform on stage that night, SUGA’s presence was felt in full force. His calm demeanor, shy smile, and the way he stood confidently next to his members sent a strong message: he was healing, and he was coming back. Even in his quiet moments, SUGA has always had a powerful presence, and this occasion proved it once again.
Beyond the emotional reunion, the 35th Golden Disc Awards also marked another milestone in BTS’s history. The group won Album of the Year for Map of the Soul: 7, Best Digital Song for Dynamite, Best Album, and the Most Popular Artist award, which was fan-voted and garnered over two million votes. BTS made history by becoming the first artist ever to win both an Album Bonsang and a Digital Bonsang for four consecutive years (2017–2020). It was a night of celebration, records, and recognition, but for many ARMYs, the most memorable moment was simply seeing SUGA among them once again.
In hindsight, the timing of his reappearance couldn’t have been more perfect. At the start of a new year, when people were still grappling with the uncertainty brought by the global pandemic, SUGA’s quiet return symbolized hope and perseverance. His journey through surgery, solitude, and recovery was a reflection of what many fans had experienced themselves in different forms, struggles, isolation, and the road to healing.
In a group known for its emotional transparency and mutual support, SUGA’s comeback served as a reminder of the strength found in vulnerability. He didn’t rush his return; he took the necessary time to recover properly. He communicated openly with fans, sharing both his physical and emotional challenges. And when he finally stood back in front of the cameras with his members, he did so with quiet strength and grace.
As fans continue to support him and the rest of BTS in 2021 and beyond, this moment will remain etched in their memories, a beautiful reunion at the Golden Disc Awards, a celebration of healing, and a reaffirmation of the unbreakable bond between BTS and ARMY.
Though he has been updating ARMY on his progress through VLive, and even spoke about his feelings during recovery process in their Weverse Magazine, it was not the same without him. Fans were excited that the OT7 were complete now that SUGA was physically with them.
On the Red Carpet the MC requested Suga to say hello: “I’ll give you a special chance to say hello.”
Suga: “It’s been two months since we’ve been together, people might think that I’ve been resting for a long time, but I’ve been so busy. It’s been two months, so I’m kind of itching to see you, too. So I’m back after a long time.”
When BTS were receiving the award for “BEST DIGITAL SONG” for Dynamite Suga again spoke and said “Good to see you guys I’m Suga. I came back. I promoted until Dynamite and then had the surgery. So I was not shown for two months and I feel like I’m getting forgotten as time goes by so I tried to come back so putting the effort not to be forgotten”
There was great expectations when the performances started….
Suga was reunited with BTS members as he appeared on stage during their “Black Swan” intro but did not perform “Dynamite” and “ON” where the members still left a space representing where Suga should have been, as they have been doing in every performance for award shows. Suga however performed “Life Goes On”
Watch Suga Perform “Life Goes On” with BTS
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