BTS performing at the 64th Grammy Awards: Rich Fury (Getty Images)
BTS says goodbye to the fans, for now. The K-pop group, which is arguably the most obsessive fan base on the planet, has announced that it will pause for members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook to focus on their individual projects. .
BTS shared the news during their Party dinner, an annual event where the group sits down to celebrate their birthday. This year is the ninth year of BTS as a band.
During the filmed dinner (the video was uploaded to the BTS Youtube channel), members reflected on his career, his unwavering bond as a bandmate, and his endless gratitude for his fan base. RM says that while the group has reached unimaginable heights as a unit, individual artists have more growth to do on their own.
“I think we should spend some time apart to learn how to do it again,” J-Hope adds. He then addresses the audience directly: “I hope you don’t see it as a negative thing, and you see it as a healthy plan. I think BTS will get stronger that way.”
Each member of the group has already taken the first steps to focus on their individual crafts. The seven BTS members have released solo music, with J-Hope reserving a solo space at this year’s Lollapalooza festival and Suga and Jungkook releasing singles in recent months. Suga lent a hand to the production of Jungkook’s February offer “Stay Alive” and Suga teamed up with PSY for “That That” in April.
“People think ‘Wow, BTS!’ but when it comes to each member, people don’t know who each of us is, ”RM says in the video of BTS’ decision to go solo now. “And because we’re singers, it would be more effective if we showed it with our music or performance.”
G / O Media may receive a commission
While the excitement among the group for this new era was clear, Suga stressed that the breakup of BTS is by no means permanent. “It’s not like we’re dissolved,” he says.
“I think this change is what we need right now,” J-Hope agrees. “It’s an important part for BTS to start our second chapter.”