BTS goes on break to pursue solo careers
BTS, the South Korean boy band, has announced plans to embark on a temporary break to focus on their solo careers.
The group broke the news during their annual Festa dinner, a celebration to mark their ninth year anniversary.
In a YouTube video, the group of seven reminisced on their time together and disclosed that they have been going through a “rough patch.”
The ‘Dynamite’ singers also assured fans that they would come back strong together in the future.
“We’re each going to take some time to have fun and experience lots of things. We promise we will return someday, even more mature than we are now,” Jungkook, a member of the group, said.
“I 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,” RM, another member, added.
“You have to keep producing music and keep doing something.”
Jimin also said: “We are slowly trying to figure things out and we’re starting to think about what kind of artists we each want to be remembered by 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.”
The group, however, dismissed reports insinuating that they have broken up in a statement.
In the statement, issued by their representative, the group said they are not parting ways but taking some time off to focus on their personal careers.
“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 statement read.
The Bangtan Boys (BTS) is made up seven members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook. They made their debut in 2013.