BTS.Photo: The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty
BTSis taking some time off to figure out their next steps.
During the South Korean band’sannual FESTA dinnerto celebrate their 2013 debut, members RM, Jungkook, J-Hope, Jin, V, Jimin and Suga tearfully informed fans they’re taking a break from BTS to pursue solo projects and decide their next direction as a group.
“I always thought that BTS was different from other groups, but the problem with K-pop and the whole idol system is that they don’t give you time to mature,” said RM, 27, during the event. “You have to keep producing music and keep doing something.”
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V, 26, insisted the group’s hiatus isn’t a breakup and said, “Later when we gather again as a group that synergy will be like no other.”
“I hope you don’t see this as a negative thing, and see it as a healthy plan,” continued J-Hope. “I think BTS will become stronger that way.”
BTS.John Shearer/Getty for The Recording Academy
While this marks BTS' first extended hiatus, it’s not their first time taking time off. In 2019, the group’s management companyBig Hit Music announced they’d be taking a “period of rest.”
“This period of rest will be an opportunity for the members of BTS, who have relentlessly driven themselves towards their goal since their debut, to recharge and prepare to present themselves anew as musicians and creators,” read a statement from the company at the time, per E! News.
BTS took another break in December 2021, also announced via a statement from Big Hit Music. “We would like to inform you thatBTS is planning to take a second official extended period of restsince their first in 2019,” said the firm, perNewsweek.
“BTS stayed active in order to engage with fans in 2020 and 2021 amidst the Covid-19 situation, and achieved dazzling results to cement themselves as top global artists,” continued the statement.
Last week,BTS released a compilation album titledProof, a 35-track release that includes some of the band’s hits, unreleased songs, demos, and more.
“The anthology albumProofthat consists of three CDs includes many different tracks — including three all-new tracks — that reflect the thoughts and ideas of the members on the past, present and future of BTS.”
The new album was first teased during the final evening of the group’sfour-night Las Vegas residencyat the Allegiant Stadium. There, the date “2022.06.10” — June 10 — appeared onscreen at the end of the show, alongside the tagline: “We are bulletproof.”
Each member of BTS has already branched out into solo work, from music to acting roles. Most recently, Jungkook, 24, released a solo single last week titled “My You,” and J-Hope was announced as a headliner for Chicago’s 2022 Lollapalooza festival in July.
source: people.com
