On June 14th, the K-pop group BTS announced that they will be taking a break to pursue individual projects and other endeavors. Citing a loss of direction and exhaustion, the group shared the news during their “BTS Festa” event on YouTube.
Debuting 8 years ago, the Korean music group started gaining widespread popularity in the past several years. Their influence has spread internationally, most notably after their hit single ‘Dynamite,’ which is entirely sung in English. They also gave a heart-warming speech at the White House about combating Asian hate and have received two Grammy nominations.
While one of the members, Yoongi, first stated they “were going into a hiatus,” their entertainment company Hybe later clarified that “they are not on hiatus but will take time to explore some solo projects at this time and remain active in various formats.” In fact, fans have already seen one of the members, J-Hope, release a new single ‘More’.
One of the main reasons the group provided for their break comes from RM. According to the leader of BTS, he “he “always thought that BTS was different than other groups. But the problem with K-pop and the whole idol system is that they don’t give you time to mature.” Despite this explanation, fans have other speculations.
Some say this may be related to the mandatory military service BTS member Jin is due for by the end of this year. The Guardian article by Justin McCurry reports that “The national assembly is discussing a revision to the law to allow exemptions for people who make a considerable contribution to South Korea’s international standing.” Unfortunately, it is unclear whether this will pass due to widespread disapproval of the bill, as most of the politicians do not seem to approve of it.
Nevertheless, the group has been receiving lots of support from their fans online wishing them well. There is no doubt that they will return in the future, and stronger than ever.
Sources:
1. BTS to take a break as K-pop band members announce ‘hiatus’ to pursue solo work.
2. K-pop sensation BTS is going on a break but promises to return
Debuting 8 years ago, the Korean music group started gaining widespread popularity in the past several years. Their influence has spread internationally, most notably after their hit single ‘Dynamite,’ which is entirely sung in English. They also gave a heart-warming speech at the White House about combating Asian hate and have received two Grammy nominations.
While one of the members, Yoongi, first stated they “were going into a hiatus,” their entertainment company Hybe later clarified that “they are not on hiatus but will take time to explore some solo projects at this time and remain active in various formats.” In fact, fans have already seen one of the members, J-Hope, release a new single ‘More’.
One of the main reasons the group provided for their break comes from RM. According to the leader of BTS, he “he “always thought that BTS was different than other groups. But the problem with K-pop and the whole idol system is that they don’t give you time to mature.” Despite this explanation, fans have other speculations.
Some say this may be related to the mandatory military service BTS member Jin is due for by the end of this year. The Guardian article by Justin McCurry reports that “The national assembly is discussing a revision to the law to allow exemptions for people who make a considerable contribution to South Korea’s international standing.” Unfortunately, it is unclear whether this will pass due to widespread disapproval of the bill, as most of the politicians do not seem to approve of it.
Nevertheless, the group has been receiving lots of support from their fans online wishing them well. There is no doubt that they will return in the future, and stronger than ever.
Sources:
1. BTS to take a break as K-pop band members announce ‘hiatus’ to pursue solo work.
2. K-pop sensation BTS is going on a break but promises to return
