Why should BTS' sabbatical not be seen negatively?
by Ana Walia | Tue, 14 Jun 2022 18:38:24 GMT
BTS announced that they are taking some time off to explore solo projects. Image Source: Pitchfork 

BTS is going on a break. (only the band not the boys)

BTS, the incredibly successful and popular K-pop band, has chosen to take a sabbatical for a time after releasing their new album, "Proof," in honor of their ninth anniversary as a band. RM, Jungkook, Jin, Jimin, Suga, J-Hope, and V, who make up the band, declared during their FESTA dinner that they have decided to take some time off from working and making music as a band but will be focused on their separate projects for the time being. The audience was able to watch the event, which marked the group's ninth anniversary, live on the internet.

According to NME, RM has always thought BTS was different from other groups, but the problem with K-pop and idol culture, in general, is that it doesn't allow you to mature and forces you to work, generate songs, and do things all the time. Jimin went on to say that they can't help but think of their fans no matter what, but they want to be the sort of artists who are remembered by their followers, and they're now debating who they want to be remembered as. It's one of the reasons, Jimin noted, why they're going through a hard time and trying to figure out who they are, which he characterized as exhausting.

V clarified to the audience that the break or hiatus is not a breakup and added that when they reunite again as a group, that synergy will be like no other. J-hope added to the announcement that the hiatus is going to be positive for the group because they will be spending time apart to learn how to be one again. BTS's J-hope reminded the public that this break should not be viewed as a negative thing, but rather as a healthy strategy, and that they should be on the lookout for BTS's return stronger than before. SUGA also clarified that they are not disbanding; rather, they are taking a break from the band for a while.

BTS's management, Big Hit Music, said in 2019 that the group will take a break to regroup and prepare to showcase themselves as new musicians and artists. Then, in 2021, they issued a statement informing the public that BTS is preparing to take a second official lengthy time of rest following their first in 2019. BTS continued to interact with fans throughout 2020 and 2021, despite the COVID-19 scenario, and produced brilliant achievements, cementing their status as top worldwide musicians, according to the statement.

BTS recently released a compilation of their music in a newly released album, "Proof," which includes 45 tracks and traces the history of BTS as the band gears up to begin a new chapter as an artist. Seems like the boys have started to focus on their solo careers already as Jungkook's solo single "My You" was released last week, and J-Hope was named as a headliner for Chicago's 2022 Lollapalooza festival in July.  SUGA has also released a mixtape on his own.

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A representative of the band shared with Entertainment Tonight that the boys are not on hiatus but are taking time off from the band to work on their solo projects and stay active in multiple other forms. The statement comes in response to allegations that the band is going on a "hiatus" so members may pursue separate projects.

Fans were emotional but supportive of the decision that was announced by the band and said that they just want BTS to know that whatever they do and whatever direction they choose to go, the ARMY will always follow them and support them same way they have been doing. Some pointed out that the band will become even more powerful since they will be putting out music individually rather than as just one entity. Some fans reminded everyone that "BTS is on hiatus, not the army."

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