Fans of K-pop idol group BTS felt sadness as the group made a shocking announcement on June 14 that they will go on hiatus from group activities and focus on their solo activities.
BTS ARMYs were completely surprised by the decision as the Grammy-nominated K-pop idol group just made their comeback last June 10 with the release of the anthology album “Proof.”
“We are going on hiatus right now,” said Suga in the video.
Immediately after the YouTube broadcast, the phrase “Thank you BTS” trended on Twitter as fans expressed their sadness and support to the group’s decision.
“Looks like the start of the military era,” one Korean fan speculated in an online community, referring to BTS’ military service.
There is no decision yet if the Korean government will give BTS an exemption from active duty in the military. If there is no decision, Jin is the first in line in BTS to enlist.
All Korean men are required by law to enlist in the military by age 28. Through a law that took effect in June last year, all BTS members were granted the privilege to postpone their military service until age 30.
Lee Kihoon, researcher at Hana Financial Investment, was quoted by Korean media outlet Daily Hankooki on June 15 that "the expression of temporary suspension is highly likely to have indirectly expressed military enlistment.”
Here are some of the comments by BTS ARMYs on Twitter:
- “We will always understand you and be here for you no matter what decisions you make. You all have the strongest bond there is and some time apart could obviously never change that! It does hurt to see you guys apart but i understand if you need time for yourselves”
- “We want nothing more than your well-being and happiness. thank you for always working so hard for us but YOU, as human beings, are so precious and important to us. please go forth with our blessing. of course we’re sad, but we’re also happy. ARMY FOREVER.”
- “Thank you for all the years you've been with us. Thank you for being my 7 personal angels, my comfort, and my home. I honestly wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. See you at Chapter 2. Borahae, Bangtan”
- “I will wait as long as it takes to see them again as a group and of course I will support their individual activities because ARMY love is that, support their decisions”
Here are the comments by Korean netizens on articles about BTS’ hiatus, according to Netizen Buzz:
- “Perhaps it might be better to take this time to serve in the army”
- “Whatever they choose, I will always support you, BTS!!”
- I'm sad to hear it but I hope it's a time for them to get some much-needed rest, recharge their batteries, and try out different things that they've been meaning to pursue, and come back more mature and with improved music”
- “I can't imagine the amount of pressure they must've been under. To have the world's expectations resting on your shoulders. They started this for their love of music, and now I'll consider this a vacation for them to recharge and make better music in the future. Armies will be right here supporting you.”
- “I hope this is an opportunity for them to grow as artists. I support them. Whether it's the army or solo activities, it's their life in the end and I just want them happy and healthy”
- “Solo activities? So army enlistments?”
- “I felt something like that as well every time they released new songs, like they were being chased into releasing new music... Their music hasn't been the same as usual. Take a deep rest and we'll see you again”
- I believe in BTS, I'll always support you”
- “I'm so sad, I was looking forward to celebrating their 10th anniversary. I hope they come back fresh and improved.”
- “We know you guys have always been genuine with us... I'll always support you! Wishing all seven happiness”
The video of BTS announcing their hiatus has racked up 9.6 million views on YouTube as of 9:26 a.m. of June 15.