"We’ll spend time apart to learn how to be one."
BTS to take a break from group activities as members pursue solo projects
BTS is taking a hiatus from group activities after almost a decade since their debut.
The members of BTS made the announcement during their ninth-anniversary dinner party on Tuesday, June 14. The group’s leader RM also revealed that the group’s first chapter was supposed to last until ON but plans were changed due to the pandemic.
“We’re going into a hiatus now. It’s not that we’re disbanding. We’re just living apart for a while,” Suga said.
The group said their hiatus was the reason why they decided to release their first anthology album, Proof.
“We have to accept that we’ve changed. For me, BTS was within my grasp until ON and Dynamite but after Butter and Permission To Dance, I didn’t know what kind of group we were anymore,” RM said.
RM opened up about experiencing burnout from the K-pop industry, saying it leaves “no time for growth.”
“The problem with K-pop and the whole idol system is that they don’t give you time to mature. You have to keep producing music and keep doing something,” RM added.
“At some point, I haven’t been sure what group we are. For me, it was a big deal that I didn’t know what we’re going to do as a group from now on… Right now, we’ve lost our direction and I just want to take some time to think and then return.”
BTS is known for producing their own songs. However, Suga admitted that writing for the group has been hard for him.
“It was always painful trying to squeeze out ideas but doing that now compared to 7-8 years ago feels completely different. Back then, I had something to say but just lacked the skills. Now, I don’t have anything to say,” Suga said.
V recalled a previous conversation with bandmate J-Hope, saying the members could “focus on our solo work this time.”
“And later when we gather again as a group, the synergy will be like no other. We’ll be better than before,” V added.
“We promise that we’ll return someday even more mature than we are now, so I hope you could give us your blessing. That’s what I hope for. We'll be a better version of us… so I hope you wouldn’t worry. Please look forward to that day,” Jungkook said.
J-Hope said the group’s hiatus is an opportunity for the members to “learn how to become one.” “I think we should spend some time apart to learn how to be one again. So, I hope you don't see this as a negative thing and see that it’s a healthy plan... it’s something we all need.”
BTS also revealed that the members have been living separately and it has brought the members closer. Traditionally, K-pop groups live together in a dorm until they are allowed to move out.
What’s next for BTS?
BTS also revealed that all members will pursue solo projects during their hiatus as plans for J-Hope, Suga, and Jungkook’s solo albums are in place.
The group added that their variety show Run BTS will continue but the next episodes will be filmed as sub-units or as individuals.
As of this writing, J-Hope is set to headline the Lollapalooza music festival in July while V has been confirmed to star in an In The Soop spinoff with Park Hyungsik, Park Seojoon, Choi Wooshik, and Peakboy.
BTS debuted in June 2013 with the single No More Dream. The seven-member group is composed of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.