June has been a hectic month for the members of BTS (방탄소년단) so far. The global group just released their new album “Proof”, which apparently marks the end of a season of their group project. The boys are also set to make appearances on Korean music shows this week. That being said, the members of the group have delivered an unexpected news to their diehard fans (better known as ARMYs).
Last night (Tuesday, 14th June), BTS members RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook gathered to celebrate their 9th debut anniversary with their annual “BTS Festa Dinner”. They announced that the group will be undergoing an “indefinite hiatus” to focus on solo activities – or as they call it, the “second chapter” (Season 2) of their lives.
Suga opened by saying, “We weren’t able to talk about this for two years, so it’s kind of frustrating. We weren’t able to discuss about this. And if we made a certain choice, things might have taken a different course. Those lingering possibilities… We thought, ‘Let’s just go to the Grammys since we were nominated.’ And when we didn’t win, we tried again (the next year). We were all exhausted from that process.”
“If we stuck to our original plan, we would’ve came back after the Covid-19 pandemic was over,” the 29-year-old added. “Of course, that’s all in hindsight. But we did get to release songs like ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Butter’. I know we shouldn’t regret the choices we’ve made.”
During the session, V also brought up the wise advice shared by J-Hope previously, which showcased the reason they decided on taking a break from their group activities. “J-Hope told me this before. We could focus on our solo work this time, and later, when we gather again as a group, that synergy will be like no other. We’ll be better than before,” the “Spring Day” singer told his fellow members.
In addition, the members of the Billboard chart-toppers also revealed that they’ve already moved out from their dorms. “We became even closer now that we live separately. We realised how precious each other are,” they said in the video. BTS then explained that they have moved out from their dorms as their lease on the apartment they were living had come to an end this year.
Immediately after the broadcast, reports began circulating that BTS will put their group activities to halt in favour of their future solo projects. In response, BTS’ home label, HYBE Music stepped forward to address the claims. The agency told AP News, “BTS is only taking a break. The members will be focusing more on solo projects.” In the video, Suga said that BTS is “going into a hiatus now”. However, to quote entertainment portal KpopStarz, the rapper mentioned that they’ve entered an “off season”.
You can watch the full video here:
Surprisingly, many ARMYs reacted positively to the announcement. Most of them expressed their support for the group members’ upcoming solo activities. Who’s solo project are you most excited for?
