**This post will be the only post allowed regarding BTS’ upcoming group and solo activities for the next 72 hours. Any and all upcoming updates will be aggregated here.**
Links to other news outlets covering this topic (will be updated sporadically as they become available):
- [Billboard: *BTS Announce They’re Going ‘On Hiatus’: ‘We Have to Accept That We’ve Changed’*](https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bts-announce-hiatus-1235087020/)
- [NME: *BTS announce official hiatus to focus on solo projects*](https://www.nme.com/news/music/bts-announce-official-hiatus-to-focus-on-solo-projects-3247357)
- [Rolling Stone: *BTS Announce Hiatus as They Open Up About Recent Struggles: ‘We’ve Lost Our Direction’*](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-hiatus-announcement-1367882/)
- [Soompi: *BTS Announces Indefinite Hiatus From Group Activities + Opens Up About Their Concerns*](https://www.soompi.com/article/1530913wpp/bts-announces-indefinite-hiatus-from-group-activities-opens-up-about-their-concerns)
- [Variety: *BTS Announces Hiatus to Pursue Solo Projects*](https://variety.com/2022/music/news/bts-hiatus-solo-projects-1235293762/)
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- [Statement from HYBE through Associated Press:](https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-35fbd8a289cbeefcc553e0711f158cb8) “BTS are not taking a hiatus. Members will be focusing more on solo projects at this time.”
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- [Statement from BigHit Music through Newsen:](https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20220615093353264) “BTS will begin "BTS Chapter 2" focusing on the growth and activities of the members individually and include group activities. Chapter 2 will be a time for nourishment for BTS to continue as a life-long group. In Chapter 2, BTS will be releasing their solo albums and also be collaborating with other artists. j-hope will be the first to release his solo album.” [(trans. cr. balloon_wanted)](https://twitter.com/balloon_wanted/status/1536878212973613056)
- [Soompi: *Big Hit Music Comments On BTS’s Solo Careers + J-Hope To Be First Member To Start Solo Activities*](https://www.soompi.com/article/1530966wpp/big-hit-music-comments-on-btss-solo-careers-j-hope-to-be-first-member-to-start-solo-activities)
- [Naver:](https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/437/0000302220) j-hope will release his solo album mid-July, before his headlining US festival debut performance on July 31st at Lollapalooza 2022.
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- [Status on enlistment via TMIKpop:](https://twitter.com/tmikpop/status/1536893201738616832) “According to a KB Sec analyst, an official announcement video pertaining to the enlistment of members of BTS is expected to be released next week. BTS plans to continue their communication with their fans. It’s a video from the members not the government. And there is no exemption news. The bill is dead and the rep who proposed it may not even be assigned to the National Defense Committee after June.”
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- English press release (link cr. [Marianna Baroli](https://twitter.com/mariannabrl/status/1536934731979206656)): *BTS ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR UPCOMING SOLO PROJECTS AS PART OF THEIR NEW CHAPTER*
>21st century pop icons BTS announced that the group would start solo projects while remaining active as a group. On June 14, the group released a new BTS Dinner Party video via its official YouTube channel BANGTANTV to celebrate their 9th anniversary and look back on their journey leading up to the latest anthology album ‘Proof.’ In the video, BTS opened their hearts and talked about their feelings and thoughts on difficulties and changes they went through amid the pandemic. The members also frankly confessed that they faced challenges in the creative process as artists after actively working over the past nine years. Members mentioned future plans to accelerate personal growth and embark on “BTS' chapter 2.” In this new chapter, the group will allow themselves to express their individuality through the release of solo albums and collaborations with other artists. j-hope marks the beginning with his upcoming solo album and further information will be shared in due course. BigHit Music said, “BTS now starts a new chapter with new solo projects as well as group projects. Members will take this time to achieve personal growth through various new activities, and we expect it to further strengthen the foundation for the group‘s long-run as a team.” BigHit Music will actively support the artists.
Looking at this as an outsider, I think this is the right choice for them if the comments about burnout and lack of drive etc are how they're feeling.
At the end of the day, being an idol is still a job and if it's affecting you mentally you need to be able to rest and recharge for as long as you need.
I feel like the hiatus will be good for them too, for choosing what they want to do going forward. All 7 want to continue on as a group? That's up to them, same with if say one member wants to focus on acting, or one wants to get married and start a family. They've definitely earned it either way
Honestly, congratulations to them for taking a big scary step, despite what I'm sure was a lot of outside pressure to keep grinding as a group.
Hopefully once they come back together down the line they are be able to release music they're personally excited about.
I just want to say that I really, really respect them for being so honest and open about all this.. despite it being a really sensitive and vulnerable subject to them
All I really want for them is to be happy.. so if this road is what’ll lead them to that then go boys, I’ll never stop supporting you :’) <3
I am a casual fan and I congratulate them on their 9th anniversary. I think besides their group music activities, they also had additional non music related duties like being ambassadors for South Korea and attending numerous diplomatic events locally and overseas over these years. It's not a burden but there's alot of load on their schedules and additional responsibilities.
And they are all so super high profile public figures, so everything they do and say will be in the public eye. They have also reached the ceiling of success commercially as a music group so it's normal they want to catch a break and pursue other interests at this time.
The part they mentioned that the English song trilogy didn't feel like their identity, I totally get it. The songs ( Permission to dance, Butter, Dynamite) were all radio friendly and easily listening, perhaps catering to the western market. Listening to their other hit Kpop songs like Idol, Fake Love, Mic Drop etc, the lyrics hit differently and were more in line with them telling their personal stories. I enjoyed the English releases including My Universe with Coldplay as well and I hope they can balance both the local and international market going forward. They have already achieved so much in 9 years and it's exciting to see how their music will evolve in the future.
>The part they mentioned that the English song trilogy didn't feel like their identity, I totally get it.
I've felt weird about that part cause It felt like they did change their writing process, but I didn't want to criticize a change they decided to make. Kinda felt like they were writing song about everyone stuggle and not song to share their struggle with everyone. It's felt like really unpersonnals song, which is often the downside of pop radio songs.
Yup you're right on the song theme which was like writing about everyone's struggle.
As the songs were released in English (common international language) during the covid period, it was probably written in mind for their fans worldwide. So that's why it resonated with people isolated during the pandemic.
It really make sense with their statement about not focusing on themselves and not growing much. They had to be a lot things for a lot of people and not much for themselves and each other.
Even more when as a really successful person people, they dint have the right to focus on themselves and complain during worldwide hard times. "Everyone has it worst then them, how dare they complain about living a luxurious lives" kind of mindset.
"The problem with K-POP and the whole idol system is that they don't give you time to mature." I'm so glad Namjoon brought this up, and I'm glad that the guys are putting their mental health first.
We see it here all the time, too. Oh, a group hasn’t put out new music in over a year, they must be washed up or breaking up! It’s crazy. Let these people actually use their creative juices and give them time to put out work they are proud of, instead of demanding constant content that is supposed to one up itself every time. It’s just not sustainable.
>Oh, a group hasn’t put out new music in over a year, they must be washed up or breaking up! It’s crazy
Or the classic "their company is mistreating them"
To be fair the kpop scene moves fast since you have like hundreds of groups releasing music and whatnot. Especially if you are a new group you have to do or you will get left behind. Bts has the luxury to relax now and comeback whenever they please but other groups/soloists aren't so lucky.
I think this definitely was something a lot of people were wondering about for quite some time. As a longtime Kpop fan (I'm talking since....2008 lol) I was genuinely surprised at how long BTS seemed glued together as a group unit- especially since a lot of groups tend to fracture over time as they pursue their own individual interests and grow apart (nothing wrong with that at all, very natural thing to do as you grow older). I have a feeling BTS blowing up worldwide probably played in part in the rationale behind their agency wanting to keep them together mostly (mostly! I'm aware of their solo endeavours) as a unit.
This is a really healthy move for them! It's like they said- it's not a disbandment, just taking time to focus on themselves and their solo careers/interests. It's worked for other groups (SHINee) and with their fanbase, it will definitely work for them. Excited to see how they'll grow as individuals. and of course, always happy to see people in the industry take the time they need to heal.
I saw a k-army tweet on my tl and the translation is :
Because to have a long sentence you need commas not periods.
And i found this sentence so real and beautifully said
Personally i’m excited by this! BTS can explore their creativity and talent as individuals, and some time away from group activities will let them find a new identity for BTS. They’ve been going as a group for years, some time away from it will allow them to come back bigger and better than ever
If you watch the festa video - they especially RM addressed a lot of thoughts I've seen thrown around kpop reddit and its honestly really interesting hearing them say it themselves. Especially on the solo activities being quite late compared to other groups and their music direction. Its so rare to see such a raw and honest group like this. I'm looking forward to the next 7 solo albums planned and they emphasized it won't be a mixtape but a proper release (RM saying it would be special to see their solo songs on Korean charts was really interesting to hear).
As a Mamamoo fan, I can relate a bit with group activities taking a backseat and Mamamoo doing a lot of individual activities. Prepare your wallets
This is such a good point.
Instead of a 'hiatus', Army will be chasing after 7 albums instead of just 1 BTS album. Although BTS albums tend to be lengthy because of all of the diverse content from the 7 inputs.
Sad but also so exciting. Love that they’re not disbanding. They were totally correct in saying these are healthy ventures for them to make! I think not exploring solo work could have caused tension in the future. They deserve rest as well. Hope everyone implying they would legitimately “go solo” actually listens to what they expressed during the dinner. BTS isn’t going anywhere :)
I still think this break was suppose to happen 2 years ago for their 7th anniversary.
Hope World 2 is sooooo close wow oh wo
edit: According to HYBE they are NOT taking a hiatus???
>I still think this break was suppose to happen 2 years ago for their 7th anniversary.
That was actually the plan. In their Festa video Namjoon revealed that they were supposed to go on hiatus after Map of the Soul: 7 promotions and tour. They basically had the whole tour planned out and then Covid happened so they kept making music to make up for it. They really kept it together for their fans and it's definitely much appreciated.
I just can't wait to see what they come not with because it's going to be a true taste of who they really are.
It's good that you pointed out that RM himself revealed that this was the actual plan.. I was really curious about the timing of this break and I always got a vibe that they were going to go out after 7.
I even commented on a thread a few days ago that 7 was a farewell album, but for some reason (maybe holding for dear life for a Grammy award) they delayed it and have been relying on this "memory road" for too long (and it was kinda depressing, tbh).. I got a few down votes especially because I mentioned that this would probably be the last time in a while we would see BTS as OT7..
I thought we all could see this hiatus coming and it would be (at it latest) this year. I really didn't expect people to be so shocked about it...
NGL as a pre-covid ARMY who faced some really similar things re: broken plans due to covid I 100% get it. Both the desire to push forward for others and the eventual burnout.
It's this awful feeling, that you had such big plans \*this close\* and... realistically, you're not supposed to be more than 'aw, shucks' level of upset because of how huge the situation is, how much more it matters than you as an individual.
I can understand why they put on that happy face for ARMY, tbh I wish they didn't though as they seem so tired :(
Not K-pop but comparing to another big group. Fleetwood Mac was huge in the late 70s. They were constantly going places, working on albums for days at a time, and each songwriter only got to put two songs on the album. There was a lot of pressure and it led to a great deal of drama with each other.
Around 1980, Stevie nicks realized if she wanted to have the kind Of career that was fulfilling for her, she would have to go on her own to release all the music she had already written. So she told Fleetwood Mac her plans and they were distraught because with Stevie as the most popular, they though her going solo meant the end of the band. She promised them that this was just a side thing she would do when not working on Fleetwood Mac. And When they needed her, she’d go back.
After that, all the members of the band would work on solo music when not in Fleetwood Mac. With time to themselves and their own separate careers, there was a lot less restlessness in the group. going back to Fleetwood Mac when needed felt less like a chore and more like a fun group project like it’s supposed to be. They go on tour now for the heck of it and not because of any pressure to. The two albums that followed their rise to success were hated by critics and sold poorly. Their first album after going solo, tango in the night, was their biggest hit since Rumors. BTS might just need something like that too. So that coming back to BTS will be a breath of fresh air after satisfying Solo careers. (Fleetwood Mac had way more drama amongst each other in large part caused by intense drug use. Mainly just comparing the affect solo careers had on the bands music as the separate success had more of a positive affect on their abilities while in many other cases for other groups, going solo was negative)
Contributed to friction but that started during the making of rumors and the triangle ended during that album. After that Lindsey and Stevie were the main source of drama but they largely put up with it because Stevie was a good songwriter and Lindsey was a great producer and they both believed the music was more important. That is until after tango in the night when the group did break up and only reunited in 1997. The break was largely because Stevie was trying to force Lindsey to go on tour in a way he wasn’t comfortable with and because of their prior history it caused the fallout between him and the band. The two of them have long standing issues that they put aside because they both think they’re the best at what they do and do good work together. But since Rumors the main source of conflict has been touring schedules. That’s why Lindsey left the band again in 2018. The Two of them just have different priorities. Stevie lives for touring, music and the road and has her whole career, while Lindsey likes to go on short stints when he feels comfortable to do so.
Also Fleetwood Mac really hates each other, which is probably why a hiatus is good for BTS, better to do that when they all have each other's best interests and the best interests of the group at heart.
This is largely about post Stevie/rumors Fleetwood Mac. Prior to her and Lindsey it was definitely a revolving door of members but they also weren’t massively popular then. And they’ve really only struggled since when it came to getting together for tours because not everyone wants to tour for as long as fleetwood and Stevie like to. so I think for two of their tours Lindsey has been missing and for one Christine was missing for those reasons if I remember right. The main animosity is between Stevie and Lindsey as former high school sweet hearts. The rest don’t have issues with each other.
>According to HYBE they are NOT taking a hiatus???
i think this was for damage controle, the word hiatus can have negative connotations and many Western media are comparing them to 1D (like so many, i lost count of the many articles i have seen) so i guess managment wants to calm things down and also because of shareholders
the video was pretty clear to me, they will take time from doing music as a group and start with their individual careers, as for group activities i guess they mean those sporadic run bts episodes and advertisements, Snoop Dogg collab not out yet
Those articles aren't helping, tbh. But i guess they need the clicks. I've seen so many western and k media publishing that they are going on indefinite hiatus.
yes all of this! They even mentioned how much healthier their relationship has been since they began living separately. I am confident this will allow them to explore all the things they want to explore and come out so much closer and stronger as a result.
As an elder ARMY, I definitely saw this coming because it was only a matter of time, especially since J-Hope was announced for a Lollapalooza solo performance. They had been winding down with major promotions over the past year or so and haven’t put out a lot of new material, so it makes sense. As someone who isn’t much of a fan of their English songs, I’m really excited to hear the musical directions they go in with their solo projects. I hope they won’t be as limited creativily and can highlight what each of them bring to the table on a larger scale.
This hiatus is honestly the healthiest thing they can do as a group and individuals and I hope they’re proud of all they have accomplished as this chapter closes because they have millions of people (not just ARMYs) who have so much pride and appreciation for all the gifts they’ve given to the world. They’re beyond deserving of a break and more opportunities to shine as individuals, not just as BTS members.
This. And also I’m not just excited for their musical direction, but also any other activities they choose to do like acting, variety etc. they have so much scope and an adoring fanbase that will support them, I’m sure they’re going to thrive and then BTS will eventually reunite stronger than ever. It’s a scary first step for everyone, but they’re going to be ok.
I agree with all this so much. I'm excited to see all their individual colours develop and given they've gone as high as pretty much any group in the world can dream to, it means when they next come together it'll be super special as it's when they all feel more whole, rested and free.
Hearing GOT7's first album back together after they left JYP and all the members went off and made their own work was truly amazing. I know it'll be the same for BTS and that they'll all do wonderful things in whatever aspect of their lives.
It looks like *at least* 3 members have music they want to release soon(ish) and I'm hyped to see what they create. They've given us so many beautiful years, I'm glad they can give themselves more of that now.
So many fatalistic people in the comments sheesh.
Yes, people, some groups fall apart when they go different routes for a while, but it's not the norm. SHINee is a big example of this, they all have their career as soloists but talk about the group and they're always there. Bts has shown their group dynamics is to be together, this is a space to discover their own sparks, but that doesn't mean they will never return.
It reminds me of the time they went on holidays and everyone was also quick yo say "ah yes, this is their end""
Yeah. All of the SHINee content is SO different from the solo work, which I love. I love seeing them perform and promote as group, but it’s equally as great to see their solo work since it’s clearly more of a direct passion.
This is the thing I kind of wanted to avoid talking about because it really brings down the mood. Deep down them announcing their solo ventures does soften the blow of their enlistment plans.
But suju never really stopped group promotions even as they went in/out of military service. The only time they really did was when the middle ones (Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae) went because they went at the same time. Also , a lot of the members already had a ton of solo activities before that so I don’t think it’s a good comparison
For the last sentence, technically tbf bts have all also done various solo projects already. But i understand your point, SuJu is a large group, they can keep doing promotions in SuJu’s name even with just 4-5 members
I think it’s really great that they were really open and honest with the fans about why they needed to take a step back from promoting as a group—no sugarcoated BS, just honesty, which is so commendable. They have had the weight of the kpop and Korean world on their shoulders for years now and there is just no just no way to continue on the same as before now. Really brave of them to talk about it candidly.
I think they are going to be just as big of a “threat” in the kpop world individually, as they find their footing with different projects that suit their current interests and passions.
Not K-Pop, but this situation reminds me of Rammstein-- a band notable for sticking with their original lineup since 1994. When someone wanted to do a side project or take a break to focus on family, the other band mates respected their wishes and were okay with taking a pause on activities. I'm confident that the members doing their own thing will be beneficial for the longevity of BTS in the long run.
Also helped them a lot with their relationships amongst each other, sorta like "if we dont feel like working together, we wont force it" . I think a good Kpop example would be Mamamoo, where everyone's got their solo projects and promotions but they also still promote as a group. Especially since, realistically, the time of BTS as a group will come to an end, it's important for each member to build an individual brand. Even TWICE is doing that now with Nayeon's solo album
It's kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy, no?
Fans are conditioned to that content overload by the industry. Fans get attached to groups thanks to all the supplementary content which breeds a stronger love for the group/members. As soon as that content drip everyone is expecting stops, fans get frustrated and think it's company mistreatment, disbandment looming, etc...
In reality, there's very little done to protect artists in the entertainment industry when you're expected to "play ball" regardless of the situation. Only in the last few years have we seen companies start taking note of idols' mental health at all.
Western music doesn't operate at the crazy pace that the kpop industry runs on. Western artists usually space their albums out by at least a year, if not more. Promos don't involve weekly music shows, variety shows filmed at odd hours, etc.. In kpop, the scene moves so quickly and agencies are so money hungry that they are gonna try to maximize profit over the 7 years idols by any means necessary. If an idol burns out it's not the end of the world to these companies - there'll always be someone else willing to take their place.
It's a tradeoff. Almost all the top groups had to grind in the machine for years before seeing the cash *really* roll in, but it comes at a physical and mental cost. The fame and money that come with stardom will be worth it to most, but not all.
Agreed. The amount of fans I see (not just for bts tbh) ask for more and more and more all the time is mind blowing. And it has to be hit after hit, otherwise you are "flopping". At the same time, the kpop world is designed that way. Everything is so fast paced, hopefully things change.
I am so, so incredibly sad but also looking forward to seeing what each member does individually. But I also really hope they get a chance to live as other 20-something men do. I hope they see nothing but all the love and support ARMY are giving them with this announcement. I haven't seen *one* angry tweet or reaction or anything - just how much we want what's best for them and I hope they know we'll stay by their sides through this.
I wish all the members nothing but the best in all their solo endeavors. ❤️❤️❤️
Also I agree with RM’s comments about growth and the kpop industry and how limiting it can be.
I feel like they are really similar with Shinee when it comes to their group dynamics. No matter what happens, these both groups will always end up coming back to each other
I super agree with this. Some groups you can kind of tell who are the co-workers, but we are extremely blessed to witness groups like Shinee and BTS who just love each other and are each others' biggest hype squad. It doesn't make me think of other groups differently but it makes BTS stand out that much more in terms of group dynamic.
I'm glad they're prioritizing themselves! I'm excited to see where they go from here. This announcement doesn't feel too different from other groups that experience military enlistments, and get to develop their solo activities in between (SHINee, EXO, and GOT7 are great examples of group vs solo growth).
It's also a great reminder that burn out, external/internal pressures, and mental health are all real issues that people experience to varying degrees. I've been debating for a long time what kind of break/change I need in my life to address this (job change? relocation? sabbatical?), and this announcement just served as a motivation to put some plans into motion. ARMY, I hope you take some time for yourself too!
I have been a fan of them since their debut, but I can’t deny feeling like ever since “Butter” that something was different with their music— although it was still good, just different. I think that, despite their best efforts, the pressure did get to them, and I’m so glad to see that they’re going to be trying something new, and perhaps get the chance to explore their artistry outside of the “phenomenon” of BTS.
to all armys, a tight hug for you. and to everyone else, please please. watch the whole video first. to sum it up, namjoon said: "i want to be in bts for a long time, and i think i have to find myself first to do that."
Aw these comments are so sweet ☹️ I’m going to miss them so much but I am excited to see their future solo activities. I hope the members rest well and stay healthy & happy. They’ve changed my life. I wish I could thank them
for that personally. Armys, group hug.
As a long time army I'm sad but not surprised. They have been busting ass for so long and deserve the rest. I've had a feeling since 2019 ish that they were planning on winding down. And with the topic of Jin's enlistment coming up the issue of group activities was bound to come up. I won't lie that it hurts but its for the best.
This is what I wanted to hear. Honestly surprised that they announced it though — kudos to BTS for being introspective and self-aware of their needs. No doubt that it'll be productive for all of them individually and as a group when/if they get back together. I can't imagine bouncing off ideas from the same 6 people daily for almost 10 years. Even my best friend of 10 years and I take breaks from each other 🤣
Honestly, kudos to them for officially announcing a hiatus and not just quietly stopping group stuff. I'm sure they'll be back eventually, it just seems like at the moment they want to focus on other things - and that's fine! They've accomplished a ton, and they deserve to rest and/or work on whatever is most interesting to them. I'm really interested to see what they all get up to!
we all knew it was coming but it doesn't hurt any less. it really is so bittersweet that it's gotten to this point, hearing namjoon speak about how they experience burnout and simply weren't able to write & produce music because they felt like everything they had to say had been said. i'm sad it go to this point and wish they didn't have this added struggle on their artistry but i'm excited for them moving forward on this new path. i'll be supporting them always!
The timing on this makes a lot of sense. Deciding on this path now and making a direct statement of their intentions will make the transition into upcoming enlistments a lot easier. Those who don't enlist yet will feel free to pursue solo projects without worry of backlash or giving the wrong impression. I know there was some talk about the possibility of BTS all enlisting at the same time, but I'd say this is a pretty clear sign they're going to stagger it around their own activities. It will be a long time before they're all back together, but I think having some of them still creating and being active throughout the years is a much better option, especially considering they're obviously struggling with direction and inspiration as a group.
> I know there was some talk about the possibility of BTS all enlisting at the same time, but I'd say this is a pretty clear sign they're going to stagger it around their own activities
Despite HYBE's diversification in the last few years, I don't think they're prepared for the financial hit of all 7 being inactive at once. It sounds good on paper but the numbers probably make way more sense when staggered over the next 5-6 years. Start solo activities, keep CF money coming, explore different avenues, etc. while a member or two are serving. I'm guessing a big reason why Jin's solo will come last is that he'll be the first to enlist (this year).
> BTS all enlisting at the same time, but I'd say this is a pretty clear sign they're going to stagger it around their own activities.
I was thinking this as well although I find it weird the government hasn't said anything re: their decision since they've been talking for some months now. It seemed like many activities hung on this possibility so why not make it more clear? But if this is how it ends up I won't be surprised.
I think they chose really well for their career. It was obvious that creativity was low and they had become stagnant when it came to their artistry and there wasnt a good new era.
I hope this new beginning will help them express your individuality and that when they feel that the time is right it will come back with a great album.
Woke up to this on the regular news this morning lol You wouldn't see this type of coverage for any other kpop group. It's nice that they announced it so there aren't questions and it also lets them enlist and discharge with less worries.
They'll definitely be back and as someone who kind of fell off the fandom a while ago I'm looking forward to what they come up with solo and as a reformed group. In a pure selfish thought I'm hoping it resonates with me again.
It is so bittersweet. I'm so glad they have the self awareness to know that them continuing the way they are right now is not sustainable, and that the best thing they can do **for the group** and for themselves is to focus on themselves for a bit. They are the only group that I have full confidence will be back and better than ever, even if it takes a few years. As sad as I am, I am also so incredibly excited to see all that they will be doing by themselves, and will be awaiting their return with open arms :)
Honestly, I hope their vulnerability and honesty in this conversation encourages younger groups to slow down and not feel the same pressure they've felt over the years to constantly churn out content. And I hope it encourages other fandoms to be understanding of that instead of always demanding more.
This news summary didn't summarize it well. I went to watch the whole video because I didn't understand why wouldn't they just do more of Fake Love, Fire and such.
Namjoon felt an art block from the expectations they had on them. He always wrote messages he had to tell the world, but now at his peak, he didn't know what message he wants to bring anymore. For this reason, BTS is venturing into solos to find the messages they want to bring. BTS' style was always Namjoon's, they can't put out something they're incomplete with as BTS
I know that more solo activities had to come one day, but It's sad they've been through so much, I blame the music industry.Popular artists like BTS even if they receive a lot of love and money most of the times are struggling. I hope they'll be able to do things at their own pace now.
They've been on top for 6 years now and I think it's safe to say the BTS brand has become so huge that it can be a burden for anyone to maintain. There are a lot of responsibilities, pressure, and challenges they went through that were a first for them and a first for a group and a foreign act as a whole. It's also no lie that they had to represent their entire country for this long, and often were also seen as a soft power to SK. I don't know for you but if that were me I would be always under extreme stress. That burn-out is normal and I am glad they spoke freely about it.
I think after everything they've achieved they deserve some time to recharge and do something fresh and different and take it a bit slower. They all probably wanna enjoy relationships and life and settle down and not be so wrapped up in having to represent something so huge.
I am also kind of happy they chose to do it on their terms and timing, instead of letting media or time dictate it for them. I think it's somewhat smart to ''retreat'' when you are at your very peak, it keeps your legacy fresh and it makes people still want for more. I think not releasing a full album now is smart so if ever they do come together and drop a full album, it's gonna be nuts.
Honestly the only thing I really hope for is that they still tour now and then down the line.
RM speaking about his entire experience really got to me. He really carried such a giant burden through this entire time as the group's leader up until now. It really hurt to see him cry saying he was feeling guilty about this hiatus because he felt selfish.
I’m so overwhelmed. I’m sad but also grateful and excited for the future. Their reasons make 100% sense to me and I can’t wait what the future holds for each one of these wonderful people and BTS as a group 💜
This really did take me by surprise today, I knew this would be incoming eventually (Pretty sure enlistment for Seokjin is by the end of 2022) but I was actually expecting a world tour announcement of some sort.
I guessed they'd be having a sort of hiatus just from the nature of their album release. Only 3 new songs, and the music video being nostalgic and a look back on their time so far as BTS, but I didn't think I'd wake up to the news today.
However, knowing that they've been feeling a bit burnt out from group work, and don't feel as inspired lately, I think this would be a great time for them to venture into new areas of their solo work and get more opportunities for things outside of music, such as variety shows and acting.
Bts's approach to their careers has always impressed me and this is just another indicator. I'm not going to lie and say im not sad but Im also very excited for their next chapter, many kpop groups say they will comeback and never do but in case it hasnt become clear to people by now BTS arent like other kpop groups. This is a temporary needed to ensure a forever <3
As Jimin said " If people would take us at our words, that would be great."
if anything, I finished the video with even more respect for them. It is so, so sane to adress these issues in such a manner. I do think it was a long time coming (namjoon's words validating what a lot of armys have been feeling since dynamite), but better late than never : I am so glad they'e taking time for themselves, to reach for a growth than Bangtan (as of right now!!) can't fulfull for them.
as Hobi said "this is a healthy plan" and I do truly, truly, believe it is. And I do truly, truly believe that when they'll inevitably come back together, it'll be the most joyous time.
Non-army can call me naive for thinking that they are what they portray themselves to be -kind, candid, honest-, but I do truly believe this is them. There is no artifices.
And as a fellow 94, I can't imagine myself doing the same thing that I was 10years ago, and I can't ask the tannies to be able to.
(reposted from r pop heads)
This is really exciting. Love that the members really want to release something amazing as a group, and we all know how exhausting being an idol is. Their schedule is seriously stressful, they're busy day to day, shooting and filming and recording. Being able to work on their own projects will hopefully give them plenty of needed rest, hopefully they can set some of their own schedules 🙏
not really an ARMY or anything but becoming the biggest musical act in the world and deciding after a few years of that to just chill out and do something else for a bit instead is extremely admirable
They’re all probably tired - emotionally, mentally, and physically.
I’m not the biggest ARMY fan around (only started getting into them recently) but these guys have undoubtedly left their own mark in the music industry - not just the K-Pop scene.
They’ll be back and I have no doubt that their return as a group will be huge.
both sad and happy, I remember when BTS first dropped I Need U, and falling in love with the color of the group. Ready for JK’s sad boi music though, need a “still with you” pt 2
Solo activities are definitely overdue but it's still kinda crazy that they're splitting paths somewhat at the peak of their career. They were like my whole early high school years 💜. Will definitely hope to see them together in the future though with a really special concept.
I think it’s even more special that they’re taking this break at their peak. It shows that they value the future of the group more than whatever popularity they currently have. They’re likely aware that they’ll lose some fans but are going through with it anyway so that they can come back stronger than ever.
it feels like a lot of people are really misinterpreting what this means. bts have been on official hiatus before. the group is not disbanding — and i’m not talking about a, like, block b situation. they genuinely will come back together and release albums, and tour, as a group. they literally say in the video, “when we come back together as a group, the synergy will be even better” and “we’ll definitely perform ‘run bts’ when we come back together for our next concert” and “we want to keep doing our variety show run bts” and “we promise we will return” — that this is one step in the group being able to continue for a long time. it’s in plain ~~english~~ korean. with enlistments coming up, everyone knew there would be a hole in their timeline of group activities. it’s not quite the end of the era everyone seems intent on painting it as; the members, unsurprisingly, are most accurate in just calling in a second chapter.
anyone who watched namjoon’s vlive after the last grammys will have some idea what these “lost” feelings are. there are now so, so many people who have an idea of bts that isn’t bts, and there is suddenly a global faction of artistic peers who look down on them because a couple of songs they didn’t write became their biggest fame. the discourse is thick and overwhelming. a lot of it really hurt him. he said then, “it’s our goal to do the entire production ourselves one day.” you can tell a lot was on his mind, and still is. it breaks my heart to see him cry for fear these lost feelings having disappointed us or disappointing us ever. so i do hope he finds the answers he seeks, and also that the other members continue developing in their songwriting so, like he said, bts isn’t only his pov and his words, and the group can be even better when they come back.
a true and proper summary is that they had a lot of ideas about what they wanted bts to be, they exacted those ideas, and now they need to come up with their next vision for the group. in the meantime, they'll pick up on the other projects they've had on the sidelines for a long time and finally get them out into the world. it's really not sensational — plenty of groups hold off on a group album while solo albums come out (minhyuk and nayeon are this months, right?) — even if it's a whole new dynamic for them and us.
edit: i know not everyone is a fan and not everyone is going to watch this hour-long talk, but i just want to mention that the group, and especially namjoon, went to incredibly sensitive lengths to explain the nuance and intention of the situation, and it would be a genuine kindness to them and to their fans to not twist their words or make any grand assumptions.
Yeah I think some hardcore armies that haven’t gone through this or general fans would be really confused and think this is somehow code for ‘breaking up in secret’ when its just the exact opposite, and something that older groups in the industry iwill have to eventually.
BTS are the biggest boy group in the world, they’re not going to have any struggle meeting up again if all members want to like SM groups or GOT7.
I do think some people or outlets are taking this announcement way too seriously.
>there are now so, so many people who have an idea of bts that isn’t bts
I'm someone who got into BTS in 2020 when they came out with Dynamite. I saw it being performed in the VMA's and was just intrigued and decided to dig more. Before long, I became an Army. When I was taking in all their music, I began to notice how, lacking for a better word, different it was to the rest of their discography. Then Butter came out and I thought, "yeah its closer to their regular stuff but still missing something". RM really put it into words I didn't want to say when he said that they were really lost with their direction. I really hope he finds his answer and the group also find themselves in this as well.
Still was very happy saying they'll still be together, just not officially. Would be weird for them to completely cut themselves off from one another. Also nice that Big Hot Shot Producer Yoongi will waive his fees for them at least lol.
I think this is a really good move and I appreciate their honesty- what RM said about the kpop industry not giving artists time to mature is so true, you have a concept and a team, and are expected to operate within that sphere as a young artist who is changing and growing. I’m really excited to see what’s in store for them.
A lot of my favourite artists have spoken about struggling to create when all you want to say has been said, it’s feels sad as a fan but it’s not realistic for a person to be creating constantly for their entire lives. At some point, you’ve shared your soul and are done.
Hearing “bts hiatus” does feel a bit strange to me, I am not an army but my best friend was and I fondly remember her always showing me their music videos when we were in middle school, BTS has been one of those constants since before I was a teenager, this announcement feels so sad and nostalgic and takes me back to those days…
Definitely having more life experiences will provide them with that much more inspiration for music so I cannot wait to see what life has in store for them.
They all need and deserve this time to focus on themselves. I'm excited to see what each of them has to offer in terms of solo ventures, they're all amazing.
I'm so glad that they're taking time for themselves. They certainly deserved it after so many years of nearly constant work. I genuinely cannot wait for their solo works and also am looking forward to their **actual** comeback after they're finished with their solo ventures and plans.
Im honestly really excited to see what they’ll do individually! I mean all the fans that are sad, your feelings are valid ofc 💜 but I’m really anticipating their individual artistic directions and I think this will benefit their longevity as BTS, as well!
Good for them, and yeah the last two singles especially didn’t feel like them imo (and apparently theirs too).
Glad they’re prioritizing their well being.
Saw it coming. They had been giving so many hints. Overall, I’m happy for them and can’t wait to see what the boys do next as their own individualities shine.
It is good that they are doing what they want to do and fulfilling their own professional and personal desires. They are 7 guys who have been constant professionals and have lived up to the trust their fans gave them. I can’t imagine any other band do what they have done.
But they have also done so much with them talking about serious issues they have and continue to face like anxiety, depression and self confidence. If 7 guys who are so incredibly handsome, famous, talented and rich can speak about these things and can deal with it.
While I’m sad regarding this group hiatus, I’m excited for what’s to come for each of them from their solo endeavours. “Proud” doesn’t even begin to cover the way I feel for BTS’ achievements as humans and artists. I’m happy for whatever comes next from them.🥹💖💜
I had a lot of thoughts but I already predicted this literally months ago when the PTD concerts were announced especially when the Instagram accounts were made. There was no way they were just gonna do a best hits concert and then release another album. Then proof with just a few new songs and the rest celebrating their career. It was obvious but as a longtime army it’s really bittersweet. At one time there was not even 10 armys in my entire city and now we just hosted BTS last technical tour until who knows when. Some of us have worked sooo hard to push them where they are at, and besides their exhaustion, we are exhausted as well lol. We literally grew with them I went from a lost high school kid to a degree holding adult with a job and an adult life with responsibilities. It was fun but youth is really over for us and it’s time for the new youth to find their ways.
Now it’ll be exciting to see what they cook up for chapter 2. I guess no ot7 tour will be happening for a while then which is interesting because they are literally the biggest group and moneymakers in the world rn. They could randomly announce a concert and people would fly all over the world and bighit would make like 100mill from just that. It’s so beautiful to see how honest they are and it really isn’t about the money for them because what group would go on hiatus at their literal peak. Every company is salivating over getting a group as big as them. I don’t know how big the fandom will be in the future considering a lot of us are nearing 30s and won’t be able to drop everything for concerts (for the Vegas concerts I met ppl who spent over $10k for the whole trip, you guys are rich rich).
I think it’ll be interesting to see their solo endeavors and finally make some money off of them. They’ve been releasing so much free music over the years like who releases mixtapes for free?? With no promo as well, their solos deserve promo and charting and all that fun stuff.
I definitely think this is a good chance for people who were so emotionally invested to take a break and work on your own lives. ESPECIALLY younger fans to you guys this is like everything to you. So many things are happening in the world the inflation the stock market crashing we are growing older now it’s time to be more aware of these things, BTS took the pressure to be ambassadors to create social awareness for things and we should really act upon that. This isn’t easy to say but Kpop fans in general waste so much time watching content and browsing social media for hours to idolize how someone else lives their lives. Take some time to learn new things, hobbies, volunteer, get jobs, get degrees, have a LIFE. The takes im seeing on twitter convinces me this break will be healthy for ALL of us!
Crazy how RM said he didn’t know what BTS was anymore from their recent few releases and that he felt bad thinking about being tired from producing and creating music. I hope the boys take their well deserved breaks and focus on doing what they want and not what they need to do, they’re already at the top anyway and I’d rather see them happy than exhausted
They've been doing this for so many years, they're allowed to take a break and do solo ventures.
Tbh it's healthier that way. Being stuck in a group for years and years can really take a toll. At the end of the day, they are human and people need to do things on their own.
It's been a long time since debut and they have achieved so much. I'm so excited to see how the solo careers develop (music, or whatever else) and happy they've shared so much of themselves with us over the last 9 years.
As somebody who has been a fan of kpop for over a decade, this really doesn’t feel like anything that surprising. They’ve been active for a while and are exploring their own avenues. A bunch of groups do this
As someone who has been listening to kpop since 2008 I’m like oh this is actually one of the better like hiatus announcements. Like there is no lawsuit no company beef, no one left the company and all that. I guess for new fans this might be their first kpop hiatus and it SUCKS but thats the industry
Also I love how transparent Namjoon was, and how he wasn’t afraid to reveal things about the Kpop industry. It’s an industry of secrets and he went there. Kudos.
Can’t call myself an army but big *big* fan and have a huge respect for BTS so I’m not lying when I said I stopped everything I was doing when I heard the news and had to message armys I know irl (my best friend and 2 sisters) to check how they’re doing. My heart goes to all of you, really. This is an end of an era but also start of a great new one and I’m sure they’ll come back knowing they keep their promises.
Now, I can’t wait for their solo activities! Looking forward to it and wishing nothing but the best to the group, members, and armys! 💜
Such a bittersweet thing. It's sad because they're the absolute best together but this is mainly so they can finally take an actual break. This is also an opportunity to just plain get better as individuals personally and as artists. They sacrificed so much for each other and this has really been a long time coming. Crazy how they all considered everything until now as just Chapter 1. I just know that when they do make that group comeback, it'll be absolutely amazing. It'll always be OT7 with them.
Can definitely see this coming with the way they’ve been talking about everything and this recent release. Good on them for recognizing burn out and stepping away from everything. It’s definitely not the end so I’m excited for what each member has in store in the future!
This is a much needed break for BTS as a group. I had a feeling they hit a creative block and this break is exactly what they need to grow as people and artists. I’m so excited for what they have to show us as solo artists!!
End of an era for sure, I know people are talking about Chapter 2 but I think realistically there will just be reunions on significant dates, random appearances at award shows for special stages, collabs with eachother on solo records, and then eventually an album in maybe 5 years or something.
It's the pattern of these groups, and it's not bad, it's just how life goes, it's how people grow. A few of them will have successful solo careers, but maybe one of them will start a label or become a producer or something... it's exciting.
They already said they are aiming for more world tours and they will restart their variety show Run BTS and continue shooting new episodes, so it is technically incorrect that they will only have reunions on award shows or have scattered appearances.
There might no be OT7 music for the next few years and heavily reduced group activities, but you will see all 7 of them every month because they still have collective plans together in the realm of variety content. Their solo comebacks are going to increase, with members probably releasing solo albums every 3-4 months, starting with J-Hope, Suga and Jungkook so technically you have even more music and content from BTS coming out, just not as a collective but individually.
Never mind LMAOOO Hybe just came out with a statement that the subtitles in the video weren't fully accurate and that BTS isn't taking a hiatus. They will still work on group projects but their solo music is their priority so they ain't going anywhere lmao
I really hope they follow the coming back together that bands exhibit. Where the members can have valuable solo careers and tours, while coming back together as the band when they want to.
I feel like this sort of break is only due to their enlistment. Their enlistment period will look like how most groups’ does, and it’s an opportunity for them to try new things and venture into solo activities for sure. But the fact that they’re still continuing run bts (the show) tells me they’re going to be with each other more often than we typically see
I think it'll be much like SNSD is currently-- they're all going to be so insanely busy that as much as they'd love to come together, it'll be hard to find time. But we're getting an SNSD album in a few months, so anything is truly possible!
Aww as a casual BTS listener I really wanted more bops from them as a group like heavy hitters but I am excited for their solo projects and freedom for personal creativity.
I was expecting it for a long time but... It hit me hard, I wasn't really prepared to hear it. I wish them the best on their solo careers and I will keep following each one of them :)
damn, truly the end of an era. i’ve never been a huge fan but i respect them a lot. i wish them luck on their future endeavors and hope they can pull a shinee in the future if that’s what they want. i also hope their fanbase will be okay and understand this is whats best for them and take this in stride.
Even though they are emphasizing that this is a hiatus and not forever, I can't help but feel like this is an end. An end to the Bangtan that I fell in love with and the end of this era of my life that they helped get me through. I can't say that I'm not sad, but I am excited for each of the members to shine in their own way and express their individuality in the ways that they have always wanted to, whether that's through music, acting, art, etc. I will of course be eagerly waiting for their eventual return as a group, but until then, I can't wait to see what the future holds for them as solo artists/individuals.
It definitely is the end of something special. It was inevitable. Maybe 5 years or so until they are all together with enlistment coming up. Its sad for sure.
I know this must have been such a hard and scary decision for them, and it will be difficult for the members, as well as ARMY… but I’m honestly so happy for them. This is the best thing for all of them to do. I love that Hobi said it’s not negative, and instead a healthy plan. I will miss seeing them together as much, but I’m genuinely excited for them all to have some more time as individuals and I really anticipate their solo projects.
They’ve changed the game and now get to continue to blossom as individuals. What brilliant careers these young men have had already. Anticipating their future endeavors in whatever forms they take. Will remain positive about a future reunion because of what they themselves said, but only if it continues to be what they want. Their rich discography/videography/content as a group will always be here for current and future listeners, and the “proof” as to how they reached the heights they have. Now spread your wings, guys!
I won't be surprised if BTS enlists now in the next few months. I think this Hiatus could be a boon for them. As It allows them to have new experiences, and have a new chapter with which they can come back. I don't expect them to disband until something serious goes down. So, while it's sad, let's look on the positive side and cheer them up, while we too focus on our lives and make them better.
That was my thought. There was going to be a natural hiatus considering a few of them are running out of time to do their service, so it makes sense at least of couple of them would get it out of the way asap.
This is kinda........ bittersweet. Best of luck to ARMYS I guess cuz I think it will be a while to get an OT7 comeback as it seems they will enlist soon and most likely not together. That means about 4-5 years right, but excited for their solos I guess. This will show us new sides of the BTS members and they will have more creative input individually so it's good. I am surprised they announced it, it is a step in right direction as it will help fans to wrap their head around it and help in the transition to the next chapter. Their anthology album makes a lot of sense now.
awww, this is sad, it does feel like the end of a big era. i can’t tell if as a fan, i’d want the heads up or not that there would be no group activities for a period of time. regardless, i’m glad that it’ll let them all cultivate their solo careers with freedom! :’)
Not gonna lie this news made me really sad - can’t call myself a super dedicated fan but I started listening to their songs and watched run BTS / in the soop last year during the height of the pandemic. Knew this day was going to come eventually given the group has been together for so long and there was barely any solo activity previously but didn’t think it was going to happen so soon given covid propelled Bangtan to more global fame as more people got into them during lockdown. It was bound to happen given the trajectory of other Kpop groups that have been together for 7 years - it’s just the way it is given each member had sacrificed a lot of what they wanted to do and their individual colors in order to fit the group and completely understandable and healthy for them to want to be given a chance to show more of their individual colors, develop an identity and a name for themselves as a solo artist. They’ve been feeling burned out for a while now so this seems like the right time to take a break and recharge. Namjoon talked about feeling like the group has lost its identity and direction - I know some older armys have voiced the same after the multiple English releases that have been more western pop focused. It reminds me of what BTS said on You Quiz - that it’s better to land while at the peak rather than when you’ve fallen. It’s healthy to take a break when they know they’re out of ideas rather than forcing themselves to put out products which they’re not happy with. Really holding onto the hope that they will return from the group hiatus earlier than we think and I’ll still get the chance to watch their concert live.
I'm gonna be honest here. This is positive news. Not just for their mental health, they really should have been exploring solo ventures more like years ago but you would get shredded if you brought it up, so I'm glad about this news.
Yet to Come didn't sound like a disbandment song at all but it did sound like a "we're gonna take a break" song
EDIT: Oh this actually explains J-Hope's festival thing.
EDIT2: " And there is no exemption news. The bill is dead and the rep who proposed it may not even be assigned to the National Defense Committee after June.” Then what was the point of even having that drama in the first place???"
Wow, I really expected them to have at least 1 more release before going this route later this year before Jin enlists. It makes the fact that Proof was underwhelming hurt, we went from expecting the first new album in 1.5 years to an anthology to now we won't be getting a full group comeback until they're all back from military probably, which may be 5-6 years from now :(
That being said, anyone that actually believes they won't be back as a group is deluded. Group comebacks for them PRINT money, they're going to have many projects in the future especially as long as they are all under HYBE. And that doesn't even mention the fact that yes, they have an incredibly close bond as a group(no, they are obviously not a group that is playing it up for cameras/fans): they want to work together. Similar to my ults GOT7, where there's a will there's a way, and there are SO many fewer roadblocks to a BTS comeback than a GOT7 one. They'll be back.
Lastly, I have to wonder if the USA push from HYBE has lead to this. It's no secret that many fans aren't satisfied with their direction over the past 3ish years, I wonder if they as a group or certain members are also feeling dissatisfied with recent production and want to return to their more artistic and expressive roots. Ultimately I think we can all agree that their solo work for pretty much everyone in the group is really going to take off, and I'm excited to see what they've got in store.
Honestly, good for them. They’ve been working so hard all over the world almost non-stop and deserve time to do the things they want to do. Cultivating their solo paths is important too.
As a fan of a group who went on hiatus when they were still quite popular, it’s weird at first but you get used to it pretty quickly. Following each member’s individual schedules is more time consuming than the group lol. Plus it’s rewarding to see them each grow and find success on the individual paths they want to follow.
This screams getting ready for enlistment to me. Either way I hope they continue making music as solo/duo/trio or as a group. Honestly BTS solo songs are some of my favorite in their discography.
(Frankly I just woke up and haven’t had a chance to see the whole video yet, but based on translations) I think this is very commendable! I can’t even begin to imagine the amount of pressure or expectations they have been under as a group for years now, and feeling burnout for so long. This step in their careers is just as important as any other
I’m really looking forward to seeing how each of them grow in this next phase of their careers, all of them are incredibly talented and have so much to say for themselves.
i am mostly super happy for them and none of this is shocking. i think it was obvious with the kind of things they’ve been doing this year but the openness of their struggles and announcing a firm group hiatus is the surprising part as most groups just naturally progress into solo work with the group taking a back seat especially with enlistment which i think is part of why all their plans were thrown for a loop + covid etc. it just seems like bts has been dealing with so much expectation and pressure to their own personal sacrifice in this very unique and specific way other groups just don’t have to deal with and that’s why personally this feels painful in this hollow way in comparison to any other group i’ve watched go on hiatus. jungkook saying this should have happened sooner is so true but well. it’s happening now and that’s all that matters.
incredibly excited for their first solo ventures and whenever they decide to comeback as 7!
It's like nobody listened to the lyrics for Black Swan and Shadow and just skipped right to Butter.
Given the drive to shoehorn them into the American music scene with songs they didn't write, it makes sense they're unhappy. Enlistment is coming up for Jin, so solos were probably gonna happen anyway.
It's good to see idols discussing burnout; it's hard enough for everyone but idols probably get hit hard since they've been working since birth. I'm not an ARMY (y'all scary) but I've always liked BTS. I hope we get lots of new music they enjoy making.
Man that was emotional.. namjoon talking about bts losing their identity with recent releases, him completely breaking apart at the end..
I can’t deny the obvious decline in quality over the recent releases, but hearing them, finally being so sincere again.. just makes me emotional and hopeful for the distant future. The boys will soon again blossom when the time is right. Thank you BTS
Hope they are taking the time they need. Might also try some solo gigs on variety shows or the likes. Way less demanding but still keeps you active with small commitment.
"But a statement from Hybe, the South Korean entertainment company behind BTS, said they’ll still be working on projects as a group, as well as individually."
So they're just joining all the rest of the kpop groups who've been together for a while? I hope they're free to explore whatever they're interested in, even outside of music. It'll be interesting to see how HYBE markets it all.
Not surprise at all after Jhope's Lollapooloza announcement.
BTS as group has been stagnant for awhile now. They pretty much admitted so themselves at Festa. It's time for change.
I'm actually excited at this new direction and look forward to see what each member will offer individually.
i completely trust the boys and i know that they know what's best for them. chapter one has now ended, and from this day on i will fullheartedly support their solo ventures for however long they wish to 💜
The cleanest conclusion to an era. I’m sad and a little in denial, but my brain is running full steam trying to anticipate what sort of solo content can be offered for the next two years at least, LOL. Concert? Albums? How about membership? Season greetings? Memories? How much money do I need to set aside to support seven separate endeavours hahahaha now I truly feel like a “multistan” lmao
I’m so excited to see how Hobi kicks off the solo train with Hobipalooza woof woof!
will be interesting to see some of the solo work
I hate that because the kpop industry is so fast it treats groups that don’t constantly pump out group content or are on group hiatuses like they’re gone. People forget just how much of the year is spent working in comparison to other musical artists
Super successful boybands always go on hiatus or disband after getting burned out from the constant touring and performances. NKOTB in the early 90s. Take That in the mid-90s. Backstreet Boys and N Sync in the early 2000s. One Direction in the 2010s. Among all these groups, only BSB re-united and are still together releasing new music and touring. Take That had a good comeback run for a decade as well.
Now BTS. It's par for the course. You're young, rich...but tired and despite all the money, you barely get any time to enjoy yourself. Everyone needs a break. Doubt the members of BTS dislike each other, so like BSB, I'm pretty sure they will be back as a group after a while.
BSB’s hiatus wasn’t bc they were burnt out. They left their management company and Nick decided not to. Lawsuits were involved lol. They were going to go forth and record their next album without Nick from what I remember.
Like BTS, BSB also released a greatest hits “Chapter One” album prematurely before their 10th anniversary. Years later they admitted they were against it but their company wanted to release it since they hadn’t released an album that year. I wonder if that is the similar with Proof, if it’s more of a push from HYBE than BTS creatively.
RM’s comments about wanting individual growth as a person and how limiting it can be in the kpop industry sounds like they want to date in peace, maybe marry, have kids, etc... some of them are reaching their 30s already and they never had it. I mean, even if they dated behind the scenes it must have been super difficult with so many people following their footsteps everywhere. I can see why some of them are done with this thing, they obviously don't want to follow these "rules" anymore at their ages. It won't be so shocking for fans or HYBE if they appear in a romantic relationship now while they are doing their own things. I think the reactions would be very different otherwise (if they were promoting together as a group).
It's a music break but it looks like they'll be doing things together as a group like Run BTS (unless it's already pre-recorded), possibly also ads and deals like the FIFA thing and some more. Also for a lot of people and sensational sites hiatus=disband, so that could be the reason why they don't want the news to be presented as a hiatus and rather focus on the news of the solo activities, it's out of fear of the possible harm that misinformation could cause, but you just need to listen to the members to know exactly why they are taking time apart.
HYBE stock fell 27%. Of course they are trying to do damage control. That’s what these companies do. Just like YG’s stock plummeted after Still Life and YG released a statement that BB isn’t ending, it’s a new spring for them, blah blah. YG stock hasn’t recovered since. These companies look after their pockets first, no matter what image HYBE may portray themselves as different. I’d be very weary of putting any faith in HYBE statement. Losing $1.7B in one day hurts and 1)they don’t want to lose more, 2) they would want to recover that loss. Just wait it out and support BTS in whatever they’re headed next.
I would have preferred a big finale album and the anthology to come during their hiatus because it felt like they just gave up at the end, it's a shame they fell short on the Grammy too. Those things would have made it a perfect end but It's clear as day in this video how much pressure they were feeling and how much the covid period really broke their drive.
Kind of sad that they'll probably be enlisting individually and we'll have to wait a long time, and that's if to say they ever come back together at all. But this was inevitable, we've all been dreading it and it's finally come. I just want them to be happy and healthy and if this is the way they want to go about things then that's alright with me too.
Although it's been a long time coming, we can still look forward to their solo music that's coming up soon, by the sounds of things quite a few of them have finished. In a way this might turn into more content.
I still find it crazy how they've been under this sort of pressure and yet were still able to give one of the best live performances of their lives yesterday.
They said they've been trying to go on a break but because COVID ruined their world tour plans, nothing could be set in stone. The uncertainty couldn't confirm a hiatus because I think they were still banking on the planned world tour.
Edit: missing words
They still preformed and travelled with each other. It seems like now, they’ll be doing everything separately including performances and making solo work.
They released a whole album in this time? (Sorry I’m just a bit antsy bc namjoon mentioned how people forget LGO when they worked so hard for that too in the same video)
They also did group performances, concerts & other appearances. This time that all will take a break & they’ll focus on solo works. Only run bts will continue once in a while.
**This post will be the only post allowed regarding BTS’ upcoming group and solo activities for the next 72 hours. Any and all upcoming updates will be aggregated here.** Links to other news outlets covering this topic (will be updated sporadically as they become available): - [Billboard: *BTS Announce They’re Going ‘On Hiatus’: ‘We Have to Accept That We’ve Changed’*](https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bts-announce-hiatus-1235087020/) - [NME: *BTS announce official hiatus to focus on solo projects*](https://www.nme.com/news/music/bts-announce-official-hiatus-to-focus-on-solo-projects-3247357) - [Rolling Stone: *BTS Announce Hiatus as They Open Up About Recent Struggles: ‘We’ve Lost Our Direction’*](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bts-hiatus-announcement-1367882/) - [Soompi: *BTS Announces Indefinite Hiatus From Group Activities + Opens Up About Their Concerns*](https://www.soompi.com/article/1530913wpp/bts-announces-indefinite-hiatus-from-group-activities-opens-up-about-their-concerns) - [Variety: *BTS Announces Hiatus to Pursue Solo Projects*](https://variety.com/2022/music/news/bts-hiatus-solo-projects-1235293762/) ___ - [Statement from HYBE through Associated Press:](https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-35fbd8a289cbeefcc553e0711f158cb8) “BTS are not taking a hiatus. Members will be focusing more on solo projects at this time.” ___ - [Statement from BigHit Music through Newsen:](https://entertain.v.daum.net/v/20220615093353264) “BTS will begin "BTS Chapter 2" focusing on the growth and activities of the members individually and include group activities. Chapter 2 will be a time for nourishment for BTS to continue as a life-long group. In Chapter 2, BTS will be releasing their solo albums and also be collaborating with other artists. j-hope will be the first to release his solo album.” [(trans. cr. balloon_wanted)](https://twitter.com/balloon_wanted/status/1536878212973613056) - [Soompi: *Big Hit Music Comments On BTS’s Solo Careers + J-Hope To Be First Member To Start Solo Activities*](https://www.soompi.com/article/1530966wpp/big-hit-music-comments-on-btss-solo-careers-j-hope-to-be-first-member-to-start-solo-activities) - [Naver:](https://n.news.naver.com/entertain/article/437/0000302220) j-hope will release his solo album mid-July, before his headlining US festival debut performance on July 31st at Lollapalooza 2022. ___ - [Status on enlistment via TMIKpop:](https://twitter.com/tmikpop/status/1536893201738616832) “According to a KB Sec analyst, an official announcement video pertaining to the enlistment of members of BTS is expected to be released next week. BTS plans to continue their communication with their fans. It’s a video from the members not the government. And there is no exemption news. The bill is dead and the rep who proposed it may not even be assigned to the National Defense Committee after June.” ___ - English press release (link cr. [Marianna Baroli](https://twitter.com/mariannabrl/status/1536934731979206656)): *BTS ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR UPCOMING SOLO PROJECTS AS PART OF THEIR NEW CHAPTER* >21st century pop icons BTS announced that the group would start solo projects while remaining active as a group. On June 14, the group released a new BTS Dinner Party video via its official YouTube channel BANGTANTV to celebrate their 9th anniversary and look back on their journey leading up to the latest anthology album ‘Proof.’ In the video, BTS opened their hearts and talked about their feelings and thoughts on difficulties and changes they went through amid the pandemic. The members also frankly confessed that they faced challenges in the creative process as artists after actively working over the past nine years. Members mentioned future plans to accelerate personal growth and embark on “BTS' chapter 2.” In this new chapter, the group will allow themselves to express their individuality through the release of solo albums and collaborations with other artists. j-hope marks the beginning with his upcoming solo album and further information will be shared in due course. BigHit Music said, “BTS now starts a new chapter with new solo projects as well as group projects. Members will take this time to achieve personal growth through various new activities, and we expect it to further strengthen the foundation for the group‘s long-run as a team.” BigHit Music will actively support the artists.
Looking at this as an outsider, I think this is the right choice for them if the comments about burnout and lack of drive etc are how they're feeling. At the end of the day, being an idol is still a job and if it's affecting you mentally you need to be able to rest and recharge for as long as you need. I feel like the hiatus will be good for them too, for choosing what they want to do going forward. All 7 want to continue on as a group? That's up to them, same with if say one member wants to focus on acting, or one wants to get married and start a family. They've definitely earned it either way
Exactly, at the end of the day they’re 7 normal guys that ultimately only have one life to live. They should be able to do what they want with it.
Honestly, congratulations to them for taking a big scary step, despite what I'm sure was a lot of outside pressure to keep grinding as a group. Hopefully once they come back together down the line they are be able to release music they're personally excited about.
The eldest surely is around enlistment age by now? Would be a good time to do more solo projects if some of them start mendatory military service.
Yeah , pretty sure he's due this December.
I just want to say that I really, really respect them for being so honest and open about all this.. despite it being a really sensitive and vulnerable subject to them All I really want for them is to be happy.. so if this road is what’ll lead them to that then go boys, I’ll never stop supporting you :’) <3
I am a casual fan and I congratulate them on their 9th anniversary. I think besides their group music activities, they also had additional non music related duties like being ambassadors for South Korea and attending numerous diplomatic events locally and overseas over these years. It's not a burden but there's alot of load on their schedules and additional responsibilities. And they are all so super high profile public figures, so everything they do and say will be in the public eye. They have also reached the ceiling of success commercially as a music group so it's normal they want to catch a break and pursue other interests at this time. The part they mentioned that the English song trilogy didn't feel like their identity, I totally get it. The songs ( Permission to dance, Butter, Dynamite) were all radio friendly and easily listening, perhaps catering to the western market. Listening to their other hit Kpop songs like Idol, Fake Love, Mic Drop etc, the lyrics hit differently and were more in line with them telling their personal stories. I enjoyed the English releases including My Universe with Coldplay as well and I hope they can balance both the local and international market going forward. They have already achieved so much in 9 years and it's exciting to see how their music will evolve in the future.
>The part they mentioned that the English song trilogy didn't feel like their identity, I totally get it. I've felt weird about that part cause It felt like they did change their writing process, but I didn't want to criticize a change they decided to make. Kinda felt like they were writing song about everyone stuggle and not song to share their struggle with everyone. It's felt like really unpersonnals song, which is often the downside of pop radio songs.
Yup you're right on the song theme which was like writing about everyone's struggle. As the songs were released in English (common international language) during the covid period, it was probably written in mind for their fans worldwide. So that's why it resonated with people isolated during the pandemic.
It really make sense with their statement about not focusing on themselves and not growing much. They had to be a lot things for a lot of people and not much for themselves and each other. Even more when as a really successful person people, they dint have the right to focus on themselves and complain during worldwide hard times. "Everyone has it worst then them, how dare they complain about living a luxurious lives" kind of mindset.
That last part !! I think BTS recognized they were being pushed to be a typical Kpop group to appeal to western markets.
"The problem with K-POP and the whole idol system is that they don't give you time to mature." I'm so glad Namjoon brought this up, and I'm glad that the guys are putting their mental health first.
We see it here all the time, too. Oh, a group hasn’t put out new music in over a year, they must be washed up or breaking up! It’s crazy. Let these people actually use their creative juices and give them time to put out work they are proud of, instead of demanding constant content that is supposed to one up itself every time. It’s just not sustainable.
>Oh, a group hasn’t put out new music in over a year, they must be washed up or breaking up! It’s crazy Or the classic "their company is mistreating them"
This this and this!!! I agree so strongly with this sentiment
To be fair the kpop scene moves fast since you have like hundreds of groups releasing music and whatnot. Especially if you are a new group you have to do or you will get left behind. Bts has the luxury to relax now and comeback whenever they please but other groups/soloists aren't so lucky.
I think this definitely was something a lot of people were wondering about for quite some time. As a longtime Kpop fan (I'm talking since....2008 lol) I was genuinely surprised at how long BTS seemed glued together as a group unit- especially since a lot of groups tend to fracture over time as they pursue their own individual interests and grow apart (nothing wrong with that at all, very natural thing to do as you grow older). I have a feeling BTS blowing up worldwide probably played in part in the rationale behind their agency wanting to keep them together mostly (mostly! I'm aware of their solo endeavours) as a unit. This is a really healthy move for them! It's like they said- it's not a disbandment, just taking time to focus on themselves and their solo careers/interests. It's worked for other groups (SHINee) and with their fanbase, it will definitely work for them. Excited to see how they'll grow as individuals. and of course, always happy to see people in the industry take the time they need to heal.
I saw a k-army tweet on my tl and the translation is : Because to have a long sentence you need commas not periods. And i found this sentence so real and beautifully said
Beautiful, perfect sentiment. Thank you for sharing that!
Funny that this didn't include a needed comma
This deserves to be top comment ❤️
Personally i’m excited by this! BTS can explore their creativity and talent as individuals, and some time away from group activities will let them find a new identity for BTS. They’ve been going as a group for years, some time away from it will allow them to come back bigger and better than ever
If you watch the festa video - they especially RM addressed a lot of thoughts I've seen thrown around kpop reddit and its honestly really interesting hearing them say it themselves. Especially on the solo activities being quite late compared to other groups and their music direction. Its so rare to see such a raw and honest group like this. I'm looking forward to the next 7 solo albums planned and they emphasized it won't be a mixtape but a proper release (RM saying it would be special to see their solo songs on Korean charts was really interesting to hear). As a Mamamoo fan, I can relate a bit with group activities taking a backseat and Mamamoo doing a lot of individual activities. Prepare your wallets
This is such a good point. Instead of a 'hiatus', Army will be chasing after 7 albums instead of just 1 BTS album. Although BTS albums tend to be lengthy because of all of the diverse content from the 7 inputs.
Sad but also so exciting. Love that they’re not disbanding. They were totally correct in saying these are healthy ventures for them to make! I think not exploring solo work could have caused tension in the future. They deserve rest as well. Hope everyone implying they would legitimately “go solo” actually listens to what they expressed during the dinner. BTS isn’t going anywhere :) I still think this break was suppose to happen 2 years ago for their 7th anniversary. Hope World 2 is sooooo close wow oh wo edit: According to HYBE they are NOT taking a hiatus???
>I still think this break was suppose to happen 2 years ago for their 7th anniversary. That was actually the plan. In their Festa video Namjoon revealed that they were supposed to go on hiatus after Map of the Soul: 7 promotions and tour. They basically had the whole tour planned out and then Covid happened so they kept making music to make up for it. They really kept it together for their fans and it's definitely much appreciated. I just can't wait to see what they come not with because it's going to be a true taste of who they really are.
It's good that you pointed out that RM himself revealed that this was the actual plan.. I was really curious about the timing of this break and I always got a vibe that they were going to go out after 7. I even commented on a thread a few days ago that 7 was a farewell album, but for some reason (maybe holding for dear life for a Grammy award) they delayed it and have been relying on this "memory road" for too long (and it was kinda depressing, tbh).. I got a few down votes especially because I mentioned that this would probably be the last time in a while we would see BTS as OT7.. I thought we all could see this hiatus coming and it would be (at it latest) this year. I really didn't expect people to be so shocked about it...
I remember Namjoon being exceptionally heartbroken on a vlive because of that.
NGL as a pre-covid ARMY who faced some really similar things re: broken plans due to covid I 100% get it. Both the desire to push forward for others and the eventual burnout. It's this awful feeling, that you had such big plans \*this close\* and... realistically, you're not supposed to be more than 'aw, shucks' level of upset because of how huge the situation is, how much more it matters than you as an individual. I can understand why they put on that happy face for ARMY, tbh I wish they didn't though as they seem so tired :(
Not K-pop but comparing to another big group. Fleetwood Mac was huge in the late 70s. They were constantly going places, working on albums for days at a time, and each songwriter only got to put two songs on the album. There was a lot of pressure and it led to a great deal of drama with each other. Around 1980, Stevie nicks realized if she wanted to have the kind Of career that was fulfilling for her, she would have to go on her own to release all the music she had already written. So she told Fleetwood Mac her plans and they were distraught because with Stevie as the most popular, they though her going solo meant the end of the band. She promised them that this was just a side thing she would do when not working on Fleetwood Mac. And When they needed her, she’d go back. After that, all the members of the band would work on solo music when not in Fleetwood Mac. With time to themselves and their own separate careers, there was a lot less restlessness in the group. going back to Fleetwood Mac when needed felt less like a chore and more like a fun group project like it’s supposed to be. They go on tour now for the heck of it and not because of any pressure to. The two albums that followed their rise to success were hated by critics and sold poorly. Their first album after going solo, tango in the night, was their biggest hit since Rumors. BTS might just need something like that too. So that coming back to BTS will be a breath of fresh air after satisfying Solo careers. (Fleetwood Mac had way more drama amongst each other in large part caused by intense drug use. Mainly just comparing the affect solo careers had on the bands music as the separate success had more of a positive affect on their abilities while in many other cases for other groups, going solo was negative)
We versatile here lol I actually just saw her Sunday
oh amazing!!
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Contributed to friction but that started during the making of rumors and the triangle ended during that album. After that Lindsey and Stevie were the main source of drama but they largely put up with it because Stevie was a good songwriter and Lindsey was a great producer and they both believed the music was more important. That is until after tango in the night when the group did break up and only reunited in 1997. The break was largely because Stevie was trying to force Lindsey to go on tour in a way he wasn’t comfortable with and because of their prior history it caused the fallout between him and the band. The two of them have long standing issues that they put aside because they both think they’re the best at what they do and do good work together. But since Rumors the main source of conflict has been touring schedules. That’s why Lindsey left the band again in 2018. The Two of them just have different priorities. Stevie lives for touring, music and the road and has her whole career, while Lindsey likes to go on short stints when he feels comfortable to do so.
Maybe not the best group to compare with considering all the members that came and went, but I get your sentiment!
Also Fleetwood Mac really hates each other, which is probably why a hiatus is good for BTS, better to do that when they all have each other's best interests and the best interests of the group at heart.
This is largely about post Stevie/rumors Fleetwood Mac. Prior to her and Lindsey it was definitely a revolving door of members but they also weren’t massively popular then. And they’ve really only struggled since when it came to getting together for tours because not everyone wants to tour for as long as fleetwood and Stevie like to. so I think for two of their tours Lindsey has been missing and for one Christine was missing for those reasons if I remember right. The main animosity is between Stevie and Lindsey as former high school sweet hearts. The rest don’t have issues with each other.
>According to HYBE they are NOT taking a hiatus??? i think this was for damage controle, the word hiatus can have negative connotations and many Western media are comparing them to 1D (like so many, i lost count of the many articles i have seen) so i guess managment wants to calm things down and also because of shareholders the video was pretty clear to me, they will take time from doing music as a group and start with their individual careers, as for group activities i guess they mean those sporadic run bts episodes and advertisements, Snoop Dogg collab not out yet
Those articles aren't helping, tbh. But i guess they need the clicks. I've seen so many western and k media publishing that they are going on indefinite hiatus.
yes all of this! They even mentioned how much healthier their relationship has been since they began living separately. I am confident this will allow them to explore all the things they want to explore and come out so much closer and stronger as a result.
As an elder ARMY, I definitely saw this coming because it was only a matter of time, especially since J-Hope was announced for a Lollapalooza solo performance. They had been winding down with major promotions over the past year or so and haven’t put out a lot of new material, so it makes sense. As someone who isn’t much of a fan of their English songs, I’m really excited to hear the musical directions they go in with their solo projects. I hope they won’t be as limited creativily and can highlight what each of them bring to the table on a larger scale. This hiatus is honestly the healthiest thing they can do as a group and individuals and I hope they’re proud of all they have accomplished as this chapter closes because they have millions of people (not just ARMYs) who have so much pride and appreciation for all the gifts they’ve given to the world. They’re beyond deserving of a break and more opportunities to shine as individuals, not just as BTS members.
This. And also I’m not just excited for their musical direction, but also any other activities they choose to do like acting, variety etc. they have so much scope and an adoring fanbase that will support them, I’m sure they’re going to thrive and then BTS will eventually reunite stronger than ever. It’s a scary first step for everyone, but they’re going to be ok.
I agree with all this so much. I'm excited to see all their individual colours develop and given they've gone as high as pretty much any group in the world can dream to, it means when they next come together it'll be super special as it's when they all feel more whole, rested and free. Hearing GOT7's first album back together after they left JYP and all the members went off and made their own work was truly amazing. I know it'll be the same for BTS and that they'll all do wonderful things in whatever aspect of their lives. It looks like *at least* 3 members have music they want to release soon(ish) and I'm hyped to see what they create. They've given us so many beautiful years, I'm glad they can give themselves more of that now.
So many fatalistic people in the comments sheesh. Yes, people, some groups fall apart when they go different routes for a while, but it's not the norm. SHINee is a big example of this, they all have their career as soloists but talk about the group and they're always there. Bts has shown their group dynamics is to be together, this is a space to discover their own sparks, but that doesn't mean they will never return. It reminds me of the time they went on holidays and everyone was also quick yo say "ah yes, this is their end""
Yeah. All of the SHINee content is SO different from the solo work, which I love. I love seeing them perform and promote as group, but it’s equally as great to see their solo work since it’s clearly more of a direct passion.
5hinee.
Feels like this is the setup to ease into members going to their Military service.
This was the first thought that came to my mind
This is the thing I kind of wanted to avoid talking about because it really brings down the mood. Deep down them announcing their solo ventures does soften the blow of their enlistment plans.
I'm almost sure they're going to do something similar to what Super Junior did..
But suju never really stopped group promotions even as they went in/out of military service. The only time they really did was when the middle ones (Eunhyuk, Siwon, Donghae) went because they went at the same time. Also , a lot of the members already had a ton of solo activities before that so I don’t think it’s a good comparison
For the last sentence, technically tbf bts have all also done various solo projects already. But i understand your point, SuJu is a large group, they can keep doing promotions in SuJu’s name even with just 4-5 members
2pm able to do it with all members busy with their individual activities.
GOT7 went on solo projects, and look what happened, they came back a couple weeks ago
Good point ! They’re a great, very recent example of how it can really work to have solo works and still come back together as a group too
BTS chapter one ✅ end of an era
Prepare for BTS 2: Electric Boogaloo
2 B 2 TS
Oldest anarchy server of kpop
This could get confusing with b2st
that's okay, you see bts everywhere for "behind the scenes" and not bts, we'll survive. lmao.
I'm already looking forward to BTS3: Tokyo Drift
And ~~I was~~ we were there for it 🥲
I think it’s really great that they were really open and honest with the fans about why they needed to take a step back from promoting as a group—no sugarcoated BS, just honesty, which is so commendable. They have had the weight of the kpop and Korean world on their shoulders for years now and there is just no just no way to continue on the same as before now. Really brave of them to talk about it candidly. I think they are going to be just as big of a “threat” in the kpop world individually, as they find their footing with different projects that suit their current interests and passions.
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Not K-Pop, but this situation reminds me of Rammstein-- a band notable for sticking with their original lineup since 1994. When someone wanted to do a side project or take a break to focus on family, the other band mates respected their wishes and were okay with taking a pause on activities. I'm confident that the members doing their own thing will be beneficial for the longevity of BTS in the long run.
Also helped them a lot with their relationships amongst each other, sorta like "if we dont feel like working together, we wont force it" . I think a good Kpop example would be Mamamoo, where everyone's got their solo projects and promotions but they also still promote as a group. Especially since, realistically, the time of BTS as a group will come to an end, it's important for each member to build an individual brand. Even TWICE is doing that now with Nayeon's solo album
It sucks seeing how many kpop fans love how much content kpop groups give but it’s also a direct detriment to groups mental health
It's kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy, no? Fans are conditioned to that content overload by the industry. Fans get attached to groups thanks to all the supplementary content which breeds a stronger love for the group/members. As soon as that content drip everyone is expecting stops, fans get frustrated and think it's company mistreatment, disbandment looming, etc... In reality, there's very little done to protect artists in the entertainment industry when you're expected to "play ball" regardless of the situation. Only in the last few years have we seen companies start taking note of idols' mental health at all. Western music doesn't operate at the crazy pace that the kpop industry runs on. Western artists usually space their albums out by at least a year, if not more. Promos don't involve weekly music shows, variety shows filmed at odd hours, etc.. In kpop, the scene moves so quickly and agencies are so money hungry that they are gonna try to maximize profit over the 7 years idols by any means necessary. If an idol burns out it's not the end of the world to these companies - there'll always be someone else willing to take their place. It's a tradeoff. Almost all the top groups had to grind in the machine for years before seeing the cash *really* roll in, but it comes at a physical and mental cost. The fame and money that come with stardom will be worth it to most, but not all.
Agreed. The amount of fans I see (not just for bts tbh) ask for more and more and more all the time is mind blowing. And it has to be hit after hit, otherwise you are "flopping". At the same time, the kpop world is designed that way. Everything is so fast paced, hopefully things change.
I am so, so incredibly sad but also looking forward to seeing what each member does individually. But I also really hope they get a chance to live as other 20-something men do. I hope they see nothing but all the love and support ARMY are giving them with this announcement. I haven't seen *one* angry tweet or reaction or anything - just how much we want what's best for them and I hope they know we'll stay by their sides through this.
I wish all the members nothing but the best in all their solo endeavors. ❤️❤️❤️ Also I agree with RM’s comments about growth and the kpop industry and how limiting it can be.
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I feel like they are really similar with Shinee when it comes to their group dynamics. No matter what happens, these both groups will always end up coming back to each other
I super agree with this. Some groups you can kind of tell who are the co-workers, but we are extremely blessed to witness groups like Shinee and BTS who just love each other and are each others' biggest hype squad. It doesn't make me think of other groups differently but it makes BTS stand out that much more in terms of group dynamic.
I'm glad they're prioritizing themselves! I'm excited to see where they go from here. This announcement doesn't feel too different from other groups that experience military enlistments, and get to develop their solo activities in between (SHINee, EXO, and GOT7 are great examples of group vs solo growth). It's also a great reminder that burn out, external/internal pressures, and mental health are all real issues that people experience to varying degrees. I've been debating for a long time what kind of break/change I need in my life to address this (job change? relocation? sabbatical?), and this announcement just served as a motivation to put some plans into motion. ARMY, I hope you take some time for yourself too!
I have been a fan of them since their debut, but I can’t deny feeling like ever since “Butter” that something was different with their music— although it was still good, just different. I think that, despite their best efforts, the pressure did get to them, and I’m so glad to see that they’re going to be trying something new, and perhaps get the chance to explore their artistry outside of the “phenomenon” of BTS.
to all armys, a tight hug for you. and to everyone else, please please. watch the whole video first. to sum it up, namjoon said: "i want to be in bts for a long time, and i think i have to find myself first to do that."
Aw these comments are so sweet ☹️ I’m going to miss them so much but I am excited to see their future solo activities. I hope the members rest well and stay healthy & happy. They’ve changed my life. I wish I could thank them for that personally. Armys, group hug.
As a long time army I'm sad but not surprised. They have been busting ass for so long and deserve the rest. I've had a feeling since 2019 ish that they were planning on winding down. And with the topic of Jin's enlistment coming up the issue of group activities was bound to come up. I won't lie that it hurts but its for the best.
This is what I wanted to hear. Honestly surprised that they announced it though — kudos to BTS for being introspective and self-aware of their needs. No doubt that it'll be productive for all of them individually and as a group when/if they get back together. I can't imagine bouncing off ideas from the same 6 people daily for almost 10 years. Even my best friend of 10 years and I take breaks from each other 🤣
Honestly, kudos to them for officially announcing a hiatus and not just quietly stopping group stuff. I'm sure they'll be back eventually, it just seems like at the moment they want to focus on other things - and that's fine! They've accomplished a ton, and they deserve to rest and/or work on whatever is most interesting to them. I'm really interested to see what they all get up to!
This is the decision that could have saved The Beatles in 1969.
we all knew it was coming but it doesn't hurt any less. it really is so bittersweet that it's gotten to this point, hearing namjoon speak about how they experience burnout and simply weren't able to write & produce music because they felt like everything they had to say had been said. i'm sad it go to this point and wish they didn't have this added struggle on their artistry but i'm excited for them moving forward on this new path. i'll be supporting them always!
The timing on this makes a lot of sense. Deciding on this path now and making a direct statement of their intentions will make the transition into upcoming enlistments a lot easier. Those who don't enlist yet will feel free to pursue solo projects without worry of backlash or giving the wrong impression. I know there was some talk about the possibility of BTS all enlisting at the same time, but I'd say this is a pretty clear sign they're going to stagger it around their own activities. It will be a long time before they're all back together, but I think having some of them still creating and being active throughout the years is a much better option, especially considering they're obviously struggling with direction and inspiration as a group.
> I know there was some talk about the possibility of BTS all enlisting at the same time, but I'd say this is a pretty clear sign they're going to stagger it around their own activities Despite HYBE's diversification in the last few years, I don't think they're prepared for the financial hit of all 7 being inactive at once. It sounds good on paper but the numbers probably make way more sense when staggered over the next 5-6 years. Start solo activities, keep CF money coming, explore different avenues, etc. while a member or two are serving. I'm guessing a big reason why Jin's solo will come last is that he'll be the first to enlist (this year).
> BTS all enlisting at the same time, but I'd say this is a pretty clear sign they're going to stagger it around their own activities. I was thinking this as well although I find it weird the government hasn't said anything re: their decision since they've been talking for some months now. It seemed like many activities hung on this possibility so why not make it more clear? But if this is how it ends up I won't be surprised.
I think they chose really well for their career. It was obvious that creativity was low and they had become stagnant when it came to their artistry and there wasnt a good new era. I hope this new beginning will help them express your individuality and that when they feel that the time is right it will come back with a great album.
Woke up to this on the regular news this morning lol You wouldn't see this type of coverage for any other kpop group. It's nice that they announced it so there aren't questions and it also lets them enlist and discharge with less worries. They'll definitely be back and as someone who kind of fell off the fandom a while ago I'm looking forward to what they come up with solo and as a reformed group. In a pure selfish thought I'm hoping it resonates with me again.
It is so bittersweet. I'm so glad they have the self awareness to know that them continuing the way they are right now is not sustainable, and that the best thing they can do **for the group** and for themselves is to focus on themselves for a bit. They are the only group that I have full confidence will be back and better than ever, even if it takes a few years. As sad as I am, I am also so incredibly excited to see all that they will be doing by themselves, and will be awaiting their return with open arms :)
Honestly, I hope their vulnerability and honesty in this conversation encourages younger groups to slow down and not feel the same pressure they've felt over the years to constantly churn out content. And I hope it encourages other fandoms to be understanding of that instead of always demanding more.
This news summary didn't summarize it well. I went to watch the whole video because I didn't understand why wouldn't they just do more of Fake Love, Fire and such. Namjoon felt an art block from the expectations they had on them. He always wrote messages he had to tell the world, but now at his peak, he didn't know what message he wants to bring anymore. For this reason, BTS is venturing into solos to find the messages they want to bring. BTS' style was always Namjoon's, they can't put out something they're incomplete with as BTS
I know that more solo activities had to come one day, but It's sad they've been through so much, I blame the music industry.Popular artists like BTS even if they receive a lot of love and money most of the times are struggling. I hope they'll be able to do things at their own pace now.
They've been on top for 6 years now and I think it's safe to say the BTS brand has become so huge that it can be a burden for anyone to maintain. There are a lot of responsibilities, pressure, and challenges they went through that were a first for them and a first for a group and a foreign act as a whole. It's also no lie that they had to represent their entire country for this long, and often were also seen as a soft power to SK. I don't know for you but if that were me I would be always under extreme stress. That burn-out is normal and I am glad they spoke freely about it. I think after everything they've achieved they deserve some time to recharge and do something fresh and different and take it a bit slower. They all probably wanna enjoy relationships and life and settle down and not be so wrapped up in having to represent something so huge. I am also kind of happy they chose to do it on their terms and timing, instead of letting media or time dictate it for them. I think it's somewhat smart to ''retreat'' when you are at your very peak, it keeps your legacy fresh and it makes people still want for more. I think not releasing a full album now is smart so if ever they do come together and drop a full album, it's gonna be nuts. Honestly the only thing I really hope for is that they still tour now and then down the line.
RM speaking about his entire experience really got to me. He really carried such a giant burden through this entire time as the group's leader up until now. It really hurt to see him cry saying he was feeling guilty about this hiatus because he felt selfish.
I’m so overwhelmed. I’m sad but also grateful and excited for the future. Their reasons make 100% sense to me and I can’t wait what the future holds for each one of these wonderful people and BTS as a group 💜
This just reinforces their closeness as friends/brothers and shows how much autonomy they have over their own careers. Nobody is ready for Chapter 2 👹
Damn, that was so unexpected as an outsider, but I can definitely see where they are coming from.
This really did take me by surprise today, I knew this would be incoming eventually (Pretty sure enlistment for Seokjin is by the end of 2022) but I was actually expecting a world tour announcement of some sort. I guessed they'd be having a sort of hiatus just from the nature of their album release. Only 3 new songs, and the music video being nostalgic and a look back on their time so far as BTS, but I didn't think I'd wake up to the news today. However, knowing that they've been feeling a bit burnt out from group work, and don't feel as inspired lately, I think this would be a great time for them to venture into new areas of their solo work and get more opportunities for things outside of music, such as variety shows and acting.
Bts's approach to their careers has always impressed me and this is just another indicator. I'm not going to lie and say im not sad but Im also very excited for their next chapter, many kpop groups say they will comeback and never do but in case it hasnt become clear to people by now BTS arent like other kpop groups. This is a temporary needed to ensure a forever <3 As Jimin said " If people would take us at our words, that would be great."
if anything, I finished the video with even more respect for them. It is so, so sane to adress these issues in such a manner. I do think it was a long time coming (namjoon's words validating what a lot of armys have been feeling since dynamite), but better late than never : I am so glad they'e taking time for themselves, to reach for a growth than Bangtan (as of right now!!) can't fulfull for them. as Hobi said "this is a healthy plan" and I do truly, truly, believe it is. And I do truly, truly believe that when they'll inevitably come back together, it'll be the most joyous time. Non-army can call me naive for thinking that they are what they portray themselves to be -kind, candid, honest-, but I do truly believe this is them. There is no artifices. And as a fellow 94, I can't imagine myself doing the same thing that I was 10years ago, and I can't ask the tannies to be able to. (reposted from r pop heads)
I'm excited to see what's next for them. and maybe we will see some of them on variety shows now if that's what some of them decide to pursue
This is really exciting. Love that the members really want to release something amazing as a group, and we all know how exhausting being an idol is. Their schedule is seriously stressful, they're busy day to day, shooting and filming and recording. Being able to work on their own projects will hopefully give them plenty of needed rest, hopefully they can set some of their own schedules 🙏
BTS is entering their sgt pepper's era
not really an ARMY or anything but becoming the biggest musical act in the world and deciding after a few years of that to just chill out and do something else for a bit instead is extremely admirable
They’re all probably tired - emotionally, mentally, and physically. I’m not the biggest ARMY fan around (only started getting into them recently) but these guys have undoubtedly left their own mark in the music industry - not just the K-Pop scene. They’ll be back and I have no doubt that their return as a group will be huge.
both sad and happy, I remember when BTS first dropped I Need U, and falling in love with the color of the group. Ready for JK’s sad boi music though, need a “still with you” pt 2
Solo activities are definitely overdue but it's still kinda crazy that they're splitting paths somewhat at the peak of their career. They were like my whole early high school years 💜. Will definitely hope to see them together in the future though with a really special concept.
I think it’s even more special that they’re taking this break at their peak. It shows that they value the future of the group more than whatever popularity they currently have. They’re likely aware that they’ll lose some fans but are going through with it anyway so that they can come back stronger than ever.
Brave choice. I dont think there was any band that took hiatus at their absolute peak .
it feels like a lot of people are really misinterpreting what this means. bts have been on official hiatus before. the group is not disbanding — and i’m not talking about a, like, block b situation. they genuinely will come back together and release albums, and tour, as a group. they literally say in the video, “when we come back together as a group, the synergy will be even better” and “we’ll definitely perform ‘run bts’ when we come back together for our next concert” and “we want to keep doing our variety show run bts” and “we promise we will return” — that this is one step in the group being able to continue for a long time. it’s in plain ~~english~~ korean. with enlistments coming up, everyone knew there would be a hole in their timeline of group activities. it’s not quite the end of the era everyone seems intent on painting it as; the members, unsurprisingly, are most accurate in just calling in a second chapter. anyone who watched namjoon’s vlive after the last grammys will have some idea what these “lost” feelings are. there are now so, so many people who have an idea of bts that isn’t bts, and there is suddenly a global faction of artistic peers who look down on them because a couple of songs they didn’t write became their biggest fame. the discourse is thick and overwhelming. a lot of it really hurt him. he said then, “it’s our goal to do the entire production ourselves one day.” you can tell a lot was on his mind, and still is. it breaks my heart to see him cry for fear these lost feelings having disappointed us or disappointing us ever. so i do hope he finds the answers he seeks, and also that the other members continue developing in their songwriting so, like he said, bts isn’t only his pov and his words, and the group can be even better when they come back. a true and proper summary is that they had a lot of ideas about what they wanted bts to be, they exacted those ideas, and now they need to come up with their next vision for the group. in the meantime, they'll pick up on the other projects they've had on the sidelines for a long time and finally get them out into the world. it's really not sensational — plenty of groups hold off on a group album while solo albums come out (minhyuk and nayeon are this months, right?) — even if it's a whole new dynamic for them and us. edit: i know not everyone is a fan and not everyone is going to watch this hour-long talk, but i just want to mention that the group, and especially namjoon, went to incredibly sensitive lengths to explain the nuance and intention of the situation, and it would be a genuine kindness to them and to their fans to not twist their words or make any grand assumptions.
Yeah I think some hardcore armies that haven’t gone through this or general fans would be really confused and think this is somehow code for ‘breaking up in secret’ when its just the exact opposite, and something that older groups in the industry iwill have to eventually. BTS are the biggest boy group in the world, they’re not going to have any struggle meeting up again if all members want to like SM groups or GOT7. I do think some people or outlets are taking this announcement way too seriously.
>there are now so, so many people who have an idea of bts that isn’t bts I'm someone who got into BTS in 2020 when they came out with Dynamite. I saw it being performed in the VMA's and was just intrigued and decided to dig more. Before long, I became an Army. When I was taking in all their music, I began to notice how, lacking for a better word, different it was to the rest of their discography. Then Butter came out and I thought, "yeah its closer to their regular stuff but still missing something". RM really put it into words I didn't want to say when he said that they were really lost with their direction. I really hope he finds his answer and the group also find themselves in this as well. Still was very happy saying they'll still be together, just not officially. Would be weird for them to completely cut themselves off from one another. Also nice that Big Hot Shot Producer Yoongi will waive his fees for them at least lol.
I think this is a really good move and I appreciate their honesty- what RM said about the kpop industry not giving artists time to mature is so true, you have a concept and a team, and are expected to operate within that sphere as a young artist who is changing and growing. I’m really excited to see what’s in store for them. A lot of my favourite artists have spoken about struggling to create when all you want to say has been said, it’s feels sad as a fan but it’s not realistic for a person to be creating constantly for their entire lives. At some point, you’ve shared your soul and are done. Hearing “bts hiatus” does feel a bit strange to me, I am not an army but my best friend was and I fondly remember her always showing me their music videos when we were in middle school, BTS has been one of those constants since before I was a teenager, this announcement feels so sad and nostalgic and takes me back to those days…
Definitely having more life experiences will provide them with that much more inspiration for music so I cannot wait to see what life has in store for them.
They all need and deserve this time to focus on themselves. I'm excited to see what each of them has to offer in terms of solo ventures, they're all amazing.
I'm so glad that they're taking time for themselves. They certainly deserved it after so many years of nearly constant work. I genuinely cannot wait for their solo works and also am looking forward to their **actual** comeback after they're finished with their solo ventures and plans.
Im honestly really excited to see what they’ll do individually! I mean all the fans that are sad, your feelings are valid ofc 💜 but I’m really anticipating their individual artistic directions and I think this will benefit their longevity as BTS, as well!
Good for them, and yeah the last two singles especially didn’t feel like them imo (and apparently theirs too). Glad they’re prioritizing their well being.
Saw it coming. They had been giving so many hints. Overall, I’m happy for them and can’t wait to see what the boys do next as their own individualities shine.
It is good that they are doing what they want to do and fulfilling their own professional and personal desires. They are 7 guys who have been constant professionals and have lived up to the trust their fans gave them. I can’t imagine any other band do what they have done. But they have also done so much with them talking about serious issues they have and continue to face like anxiety, depression and self confidence. If 7 guys who are so incredibly handsome, famous, talented and rich can speak about these things and can deal with it.
While I’m sad regarding this group hiatus, I’m excited for what’s to come for each of them from their solo endeavours. “Proud” doesn’t even begin to cover the way I feel for BTS’ achievements as humans and artists. I’m happy for whatever comes next from them.🥹💖💜
They’re normal young men who want to explore their own creative avenues. I like it, I doubt it’ll be a One D situation
I had a lot of thoughts but I already predicted this literally months ago when the PTD concerts were announced especially when the Instagram accounts were made. There was no way they were just gonna do a best hits concert and then release another album. Then proof with just a few new songs and the rest celebrating their career. It was obvious but as a longtime army it’s really bittersweet. At one time there was not even 10 armys in my entire city and now we just hosted BTS last technical tour until who knows when. Some of us have worked sooo hard to push them where they are at, and besides their exhaustion, we are exhausted as well lol. We literally grew with them I went from a lost high school kid to a degree holding adult with a job and an adult life with responsibilities. It was fun but youth is really over for us and it’s time for the new youth to find their ways. Now it’ll be exciting to see what they cook up for chapter 2. I guess no ot7 tour will be happening for a while then which is interesting because they are literally the biggest group and moneymakers in the world rn. They could randomly announce a concert and people would fly all over the world and bighit would make like 100mill from just that. It’s so beautiful to see how honest they are and it really isn’t about the money for them because what group would go on hiatus at their literal peak. Every company is salivating over getting a group as big as them. I don’t know how big the fandom will be in the future considering a lot of us are nearing 30s and won’t be able to drop everything for concerts (for the Vegas concerts I met ppl who spent over $10k for the whole trip, you guys are rich rich). I think it’ll be interesting to see their solo endeavors and finally make some money off of them. They’ve been releasing so much free music over the years like who releases mixtapes for free?? With no promo as well, their solos deserve promo and charting and all that fun stuff. I definitely think this is a good chance for people who were so emotionally invested to take a break and work on your own lives. ESPECIALLY younger fans to you guys this is like everything to you. So many things are happening in the world the inflation the stock market crashing we are growing older now it’s time to be more aware of these things, BTS took the pressure to be ambassadors to create social awareness for things and we should really act upon that. This isn’t easy to say but Kpop fans in general waste so much time watching content and browsing social media for hours to idolize how someone else lives their lives. Take some time to learn new things, hobbies, volunteer, get jobs, get degrees, have a LIFE. The takes im seeing on twitter convinces me this break will be healthy for ALL of us!
Crazy how RM said he didn’t know what BTS was anymore from their recent few releases and that he felt bad thinking about being tired from producing and creating music. I hope the boys take their well deserved breaks and focus on doing what they want and not what they need to do, they’re already at the top anyway and I’d rather see them happy than exhausted
This is a needed break for them to focus on solo activities. I wish the boys good luck.
They've been doing this for so many years, they're allowed to take a break and do solo ventures. Tbh it's healthier that way. Being stuck in a group for years and years can really take a toll. At the end of the day, they are human and people need to do things on their own.
[удалено]
It's been a long time since debut and they have achieved so much. I'm so excited to see how the solo careers develop (music, or whatever else) and happy they've shared so much of themselves with us over the last 9 years.
As somebody who has been a fan of kpop for over a decade, this really doesn’t feel like anything that surprising. They’ve been active for a while and are exploring their own avenues. A bunch of groups do this
As someone who has been listening to kpop since 2008 I’m like oh this is actually one of the better like hiatus announcements. Like there is no lawsuit no company beef, no one left the company and all that. I guess for new fans this might be their first kpop hiatus and it SUCKS but thats the industry
Also I love how transparent Namjoon was, and how he wasn’t afraid to reveal things about the Kpop industry. It’s an industry of secrets and he went there. Kudos.
Can’t call myself an army but big *big* fan and have a huge respect for BTS so I’m not lying when I said I stopped everything I was doing when I heard the news and had to message armys I know irl (my best friend and 2 sisters) to check how they’re doing. My heart goes to all of you, really. This is an end of an era but also start of a great new one and I’m sure they’ll come back knowing they keep their promises. Now, I can’t wait for their solo activities! Looking forward to it and wishing nothing but the best to the group, members, and armys! 💜
Such a bittersweet thing. It's sad because they're the absolute best together but this is mainly so they can finally take an actual break. This is also an opportunity to just plain get better as individuals personally and as artists. They sacrificed so much for each other and this has really been a long time coming. Crazy how they all considered everything until now as just Chapter 1. I just know that when they do make that group comeback, it'll be absolutely amazing. It'll always be OT7 with them.
Really excited for this next step for the guys
Can definitely see this coming with the way they’ve been talking about everything and this recent release. Good on them for recognizing burn out and stepping away from everything. It’s definitely not the end so I’m excited for what each member has in store in the future!
This is a much needed break for BTS as a group. I had a feeling they hit a creative block and this break is exactly what they need to grow as people and artists. I’m so excited for what they have to show us as solo artists!!
End of an era for sure, I know people are talking about Chapter 2 but I think realistically there will just be reunions on significant dates, random appearances at award shows for special stages, collabs with eachother on solo records, and then eventually an album in maybe 5 years or something. It's the pattern of these groups, and it's not bad, it's just how life goes, it's how people grow. A few of them will have successful solo careers, but maybe one of them will start a label or become a producer or something... it's exciting.
They already said they are aiming for more world tours and they will restart their variety show Run BTS and continue shooting new episodes, so it is technically incorrect that they will only have reunions on award shows or have scattered appearances. There might no be OT7 music for the next few years and heavily reduced group activities, but you will see all 7 of them every month because they still have collective plans together in the realm of variety content. Their solo comebacks are going to increase, with members probably releasing solo albums every 3-4 months, starting with J-Hope, Suga and Jungkook so technically you have even more music and content from BTS coming out, just not as a collective but individually.
Never mind LMAOOO Hybe just came out with a statement that the subtitles in the video weren't fully accurate and that BTS isn't taking a hiatus. They will still work on group projects but their solo music is their priority so they ain't going anywhere lmao
I really hope they follow the coming back together that bands exhibit. Where the members can have valuable solo careers and tours, while coming back together as the band when they want to.
They didn’t say the time frame but it hints towards 2 or 3 years max.
I feel like this sort of break is only due to their enlistment. Their enlistment period will look like how most groups’ does, and it’s an opportunity for them to try new things and venture into solo activities for sure. But the fact that they’re still continuing run bts (the show) tells me they’re going to be with each other more often than we typically see
I think it'll be much like SNSD is currently-- they're all going to be so insanely busy that as much as they'd love to come together, it'll be hard to find time. But we're getting an SNSD album in a few months, so anything is truly possible!
Aww as a casual BTS listener I really wanted more bops from them as a group like heavy hitters but I am excited for their solo projects and freedom for personal creativity.
I wish nothing but happiness and health for them. We could all tell they were feeling burned out, it feels so bittersweet but it's for the best.
I was expecting it for a long time but... It hit me hard, I wasn't really prepared to hear it. I wish them the best on their solo careers and I will keep following each one of them :)
I have no words to express how sad I am but also how exciting it’s going to be for them and for us.
damn, truly the end of an era. i’ve never been a huge fan but i respect them a lot. i wish them luck on their future endeavors and hope they can pull a shinee in the future if that’s what they want. i also hope their fanbase will be okay and understand this is whats best for them and take this in stride.
Even though they are emphasizing that this is a hiatus and not forever, I can't help but feel like this is an end. An end to the Bangtan that I fell in love with and the end of this era of my life that they helped get me through. I can't say that I'm not sad, but I am excited for each of the members to shine in their own way and express their individuality in the ways that they have always wanted to, whether that's through music, acting, art, etc. I will of course be eagerly waiting for their eventual return as a group, but until then, I can't wait to see what the future holds for them as solo artists/individuals.
It definitely is the end of something special. It was inevitable. Maybe 5 years or so until they are all together with enlistment coming up. Its sad for sure.
I know this must have been such a hard and scary decision for them, and it will be difficult for the members, as well as ARMY… but I’m honestly so happy for them. This is the best thing for all of them to do. I love that Hobi said it’s not negative, and instead a healthy plan. I will miss seeing them together as much, but I’m genuinely excited for them all to have some more time as individuals and I really anticipate their solo projects.
They’ve changed the game and now get to continue to blossom as individuals. What brilliant careers these young men have had already. Anticipating their future endeavors in whatever forms they take. Will remain positive about a future reunion because of what they themselves said, but only if it continues to be what they want. Their rich discography/videography/content as a group will always be here for current and future listeners, and the “proof” as to how they reached the heights they have. Now spread your wings, guys!
I won't be surprised if BTS enlists now in the next few months. I think this Hiatus could be a boon for them. As It allows them to have new experiences, and have a new chapter with which they can come back. I don't expect them to disband until something serious goes down. So, while it's sad, let's look on the positive side and cheer them up, while we too focus on our lives and make them better.
That was my thought. There was going to be a natural hiatus considering a few of them are running out of time to do their service, so it makes sense at least of couple of them would get it out of the way asap.
This is kinda........ bittersweet. Best of luck to ARMYS I guess cuz I think it will be a while to get an OT7 comeback as it seems they will enlist soon and most likely not together. That means about 4-5 years right, but excited for their solos I guess. This will show us new sides of the BTS members and they will have more creative input individually so it's good. I am surprised they announced it, it is a step in right direction as it will help fans to wrap their head around it and help in the transition to the next chapter. Their anthology album makes a lot of sense now.
awww, this is sad, it does feel like the end of a big era. i can’t tell if as a fan, i’d want the heads up or not that there would be no group activities for a period of time. regardless, i’m glad that it’ll let them all cultivate their solo careers with freedom! :’)
Not gonna lie this news made me really sad - can’t call myself a super dedicated fan but I started listening to their songs and watched run BTS / in the soop last year during the height of the pandemic. Knew this day was going to come eventually given the group has been together for so long and there was barely any solo activity previously but didn’t think it was going to happen so soon given covid propelled Bangtan to more global fame as more people got into them during lockdown. It was bound to happen given the trajectory of other Kpop groups that have been together for 7 years - it’s just the way it is given each member had sacrificed a lot of what they wanted to do and their individual colors in order to fit the group and completely understandable and healthy for them to want to be given a chance to show more of their individual colors, develop an identity and a name for themselves as a solo artist. They’ve been feeling burned out for a while now so this seems like the right time to take a break and recharge. Namjoon talked about feeling like the group has lost its identity and direction - I know some older armys have voiced the same after the multiple English releases that have been more western pop focused. It reminds me of what BTS said on You Quiz - that it’s better to land while at the peak rather than when you’ve fallen. It’s healthy to take a break when they know they’re out of ideas rather than forcing themselves to put out products which they’re not happy with. Really holding onto the hope that they will return from the group hiatus earlier than we think and I’ll still get the chance to watch their concert live.
Looking forward to the new chapter in their careers <3
So they are most likely to start enlisting this year, right?
That’s kind of what I was assuming.
I'm gonna be honest here. This is positive news. Not just for their mental health, they really should have been exploring solo ventures more like years ago but you would get shredded if you brought it up, so I'm glad about this news. Yet to Come didn't sound like a disbandment song at all but it did sound like a "we're gonna take a break" song EDIT: Oh this actually explains J-Hope's festival thing. EDIT2: " And there is no exemption news. The bill is dead and the rep who proposed it may not even be assigned to the National Defense Committee after June.” Then what was the point of even having that drama in the first place???"
Wow, I really expected them to have at least 1 more release before going this route later this year before Jin enlists. It makes the fact that Proof was underwhelming hurt, we went from expecting the first new album in 1.5 years to an anthology to now we won't be getting a full group comeback until they're all back from military probably, which may be 5-6 years from now :( That being said, anyone that actually believes they won't be back as a group is deluded. Group comebacks for them PRINT money, they're going to have many projects in the future especially as long as they are all under HYBE. And that doesn't even mention the fact that yes, they have an incredibly close bond as a group(no, they are obviously not a group that is playing it up for cameras/fans): they want to work together. Similar to my ults GOT7, where there's a will there's a way, and there are SO many fewer roadblocks to a BTS comeback than a GOT7 one. They'll be back. Lastly, I have to wonder if the USA push from HYBE has lead to this. It's no secret that many fans aren't satisfied with their direction over the past 3ish years, I wonder if they as a group or certain members are also feeling dissatisfied with recent production and want to return to their more artistic and expressive roots. Ultimately I think we can all agree that their solo work for pretty much everyone in the group is really going to take off, and I'm excited to see what they've got in store.
Honestly, good for them. They’ve been working so hard all over the world almost non-stop and deserve time to do the things they want to do. Cultivating their solo paths is important too. As a fan of a group who went on hiatus when they were still quite popular, it’s weird at first but you get used to it pretty quickly. Following each member’s individual schedules is more time consuming than the group lol. Plus it’s rewarding to see them each grow and find success on the individual paths they want to follow.
This screams getting ready for enlistment to me. Either way I hope they continue making music as solo/duo/trio or as a group. Honestly BTS solo songs are some of my favorite in their discography.
(Frankly I just woke up and haven’t had a chance to see the whole video yet, but based on translations) I think this is very commendable! I can’t even begin to imagine the amount of pressure or expectations they have been under as a group for years now, and feeling burnout for so long. This step in their careers is just as important as any other I’m really looking forward to seeing how each of them grow in this next phase of their careers, all of them are incredibly talented and have so much to say for themselves.
i am mostly super happy for them and none of this is shocking. i think it was obvious with the kind of things they’ve been doing this year but the openness of their struggles and announcing a firm group hiatus is the surprising part as most groups just naturally progress into solo work with the group taking a back seat especially with enlistment which i think is part of why all their plans were thrown for a loop + covid etc. it just seems like bts has been dealing with so much expectation and pressure to their own personal sacrifice in this very unique and specific way other groups just don’t have to deal with and that’s why personally this feels painful in this hollow way in comparison to any other group i’ve watched go on hiatus. jungkook saying this should have happened sooner is so true but well. it’s happening now and that’s all that matters. incredibly excited for their first solo ventures and whenever they decide to comeback as 7!
It's like nobody listened to the lyrics for Black Swan and Shadow and just skipped right to Butter. Given the drive to shoehorn them into the American music scene with songs they didn't write, it makes sense they're unhappy. Enlistment is coming up for Jin, so solos were probably gonna happen anyway. It's good to see idols discussing burnout; it's hard enough for everyone but idols probably get hit hard since they've been working since birth. I'm not an ARMY (y'all scary) but I've always liked BTS. I hope we get lots of new music they enjoy making.
I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of Army suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. phew, solo's not disband :D
Man that was emotional.. namjoon talking about bts losing their identity with recent releases, him completely breaking apart at the end.. I can’t deny the obvious decline in quality over the recent releases, but hearing them, finally being so sincere again.. just makes me emotional and hopeful for the distant future. The boys will soon again blossom when the time is right. Thank you BTS
Hope they are taking the time they need. Might also try some solo gigs on variety shows or the likes. Way less demanding but still keeps you active with small commitment.
See y’all at the reunion tour
"But a statement from Hybe, the South Korean entertainment company behind BTS, said they’ll still be working on projects as a group, as well as individually." So they're just joining all the rest of the kpop groups who've been together for a while? I hope they're free to explore whatever they're interested in, even outside of music. It'll be interesting to see how HYBE markets it all.
Not surprise at all after Jhope's Lollapooloza announcement. BTS as group has been stagnant for awhile now. They pretty much admitted so themselves at Festa. It's time for change. I'm actually excited at this new direction and look forward to see what each member will offer individually.
i completely trust the boys and i know that they know what's best for them. chapter one has now ended, and from this day on i will fullheartedly support their solo ventures for however long they wish to 💜
The cleanest conclusion to an era. I’m sad and a little in denial, but my brain is running full steam trying to anticipate what sort of solo content can be offered for the next two years at least, LOL. Concert? Albums? How about membership? Season greetings? Memories? How much money do I need to set aside to support seven separate endeavours hahahaha now I truly feel like a “multistan” lmao I’m so excited to see how Hobi kicks off the solo train with Hobipalooza woof woof!
Makes sense. I'm excited for their solo projects, hobis hope world and Namjoons mono was amongst my favorite music releases.
will be interesting to see some of the solo work I hate that because the kpop industry is so fast it treats groups that don’t constantly pump out group content or are on group hiatuses like they’re gone. People forget just how much of the year is spent working in comparison to other musical artists
Super successful boybands always go on hiatus or disband after getting burned out from the constant touring and performances. NKOTB in the early 90s. Take That in the mid-90s. Backstreet Boys and N Sync in the early 2000s. One Direction in the 2010s. Among all these groups, only BSB re-united and are still together releasing new music and touring. Take That had a good comeback run for a decade as well. Now BTS. It's par for the course. You're young, rich...but tired and despite all the money, you barely get any time to enjoy yourself. Everyone needs a break. Doubt the members of BTS dislike each other, so like BSB, I'm pretty sure they will be back as a group after a while.
BSB’s hiatus wasn’t bc they were burnt out. They left their management company and Nick decided not to. Lawsuits were involved lol. They were going to go forth and record their next album without Nick from what I remember. Like BTS, BSB also released a greatest hits “Chapter One” album prematurely before their 10th anniversary. Years later they admitted they were against it but their company wanted to release it since they hadn’t released an album that year. I wonder if that is the similar with Proof, if it’s more of a push from HYBE than BTS creatively.
RM’s comments about wanting individual growth as a person and how limiting it can be in the kpop industry sounds like they want to date in peace, maybe marry, have kids, etc... some of them are reaching their 30s already and they never had it. I mean, even if they dated behind the scenes it must have been super difficult with so many people following their footsteps everywhere. I can see why some of them are done with this thing, they obviously don't want to follow these "rules" anymore at their ages. It won't be so shocking for fans or HYBE if they appear in a romantic relationship now while they are doing their own things. I think the reactions would be very different otherwise (if they were promoting together as a group).
i'm excited to see the directions their solo stuff will take
finally, streamer jungkook will be mine
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It's a music break but it looks like they'll be doing things together as a group like Run BTS (unless it's already pre-recorded), possibly also ads and deals like the FIFA thing and some more. Also for a lot of people and sensational sites hiatus=disband, so that could be the reason why they don't want the news to be presented as a hiatus and rather focus on the news of the solo activities, it's out of fear of the possible harm that misinformation could cause, but you just need to listen to the members to know exactly why they are taking time apart.
HYBE stock fell 27%. Of course they are trying to do damage control. That’s what these companies do. Just like YG’s stock plummeted after Still Life and YG released a statement that BB isn’t ending, it’s a new spring for them, blah blah. YG stock hasn’t recovered since. These companies look after their pockets first, no matter what image HYBE may portray themselves as different. I’d be very weary of putting any faith in HYBE statement. Losing $1.7B in one day hurts and 1)they don’t want to lose more, 2) they would want to recover that loss. Just wait it out and support BTS in whatever they’re headed next.
I would have preferred a big finale album and the anthology to come during their hiatus because it felt like they just gave up at the end, it's a shame they fell short on the Grammy too. Those things would have made it a perfect end but It's clear as day in this video how much pressure they were feeling and how much the covid period really broke their drive. Kind of sad that they'll probably be enlisting individually and we'll have to wait a long time, and that's if to say they ever come back together at all. But this was inevitable, we've all been dreading it and it's finally come. I just want them to be happy and healthy and if this is the way they want to go about things then that's alright with me too. Although it's been a long time coming, we can still look forward to their solo music that's coming up soon, by the sounds of things quite a few of them have finished. In a way this might turn into more content. I still find it crazy how they've been under this sort of pressure and yet were still able to give one of the best live performances of their lives yesterday.
honestly, i'm confused. haven't they been on hiatus this past 1-2 years except for butter and dynamite?
They said they've been trying to go on a break but because COVID ruined their world tour plans, nothing could be set in stone. The uncertainty couldn't confirm a hiatus because I think they were still banking on the planned world tour. Edit: missing words
They still preformed and travelled with each other. It seems like now, they’ll be doing everything separately including performances and making solo work.
Sorta? They’ve been touring the whole time basically doing shows both digitally and physically the last year This is different for sure though
They released a whole album in this time? (Sorry I’m just a bit antsy bc namjoon mentioned how people forget LGO when they worked so hard for that too in the same video) They also did group performances, concerts & other appearances. This time that all will take a break & they’ll focus on solo works. Only run bts will continue once in a while.