Big Hit Music, the agency that manages K-pop superstars BTS, has issued a statement about the idol group’s announcement on June 14 that they are going to take a break from group activities and focus on individual endeavors.
In a statement sent to Manila Bulletin on June 15, Big Hit Music clarified that BTS are not on hiatus but will undertake solo projects and will remain active.
“To be clear, they are not on hiatus but will take time to explore some solo projects at this time and remain active in various different formats,” the company said.
In a video on their YouTube channel, BTS members became emotional and cried as they revealed their plans to focus on their solo activities and temporarily stay away from group activities.
“We are going on hiatus right now,” Suga said, referring to BTS as a group.
RM said, “I didn't know what I would do after ‘ON’ but then Covid-19 came up so we did ‘Dynamite,’ ‘"Butter,’ ‘Permission to Dance,’ ‘Life Goes On.’ And I realized the group has definitely changed. We have to accept that we've changed. For me, it was like the group 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,” he lamented.
RM added, “I've always thought that BTS was different from other groups. But 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. After I get up in the morning and get makeup done there's no time left for growth.”
“And it's not just about music and work I've changed as a human over the past ten years. So I needed to think and have some alone time and then those thoughts can mature into something uniquely mine,” he said.
Jimin said, “I think now, finally, we’ve come to think about what kind of artists we each want to be remembered as to our fans. I think that's why we're going through a rough patch right now. We're trying to find our identity and that's an exhausting and long process.”
It was revealed that J-Hope will be the first to have a solo project. Earlier it was announced that J-Hope will headline Lollapalooza, a four-day music festival that will be held Grant Park, Chicago from July 28 to 31
“I’ve really started my solo preparations now. BTS’ stance on solo promotions, solo music is going to change a lot now,” J-Hope said.
RM explained that “starting with J-Hope, we’ll officially be showing our individual colors.”
According to J-Hope, “But now I don't know, I've talked a lot about this with the members but I think we should spend some time apart to learn how to be one again. I think that timing is really important right now.”
Suga said, “It's not that we're disbanding. We're just living apart for a while.”
J-Hope agreed and said, “I think BTS could become a stronger group that way. This is a very important time for us and for BTS' second chapter. I think this is the best time and step and it's something we all need.”
“So I just hope since ARMY has been with us for 9-10 years that you could understand. That's all. I just hope that all our members stay healthy while they spend time on their own. I hope we all live with healthy minds,” he added.
Jungkook said, “I realized again today that everyone has a timeline that's right for them. ARMY will have their own motivations and time as well. This timing should've come to us earlier but I guess we held it off. It should've come way earlier. But we got to do it now. I don't know when but there should've been a time that we talked about this. And I think today's the day.”
“We promise we will return someday even more mature than we are now. So I just hope that you could give us your blessing. That's what I hope for. I'll do my best. We'll be a better version of us. So I hope you wouldn't worry. Even better, please look forward to that day,” he added.
RM said, “We never know how long we'll be together but I hope we do last long. And even if we can't perform as well as we did in the past, I always want to be RM of BTS. So I hope you recognize our sincerity. Right now, we might be stopping for a break and being lazy but that's all for the future ahead of us.”