BTS to take a break and focus on solo projects

Twenty minutes into the annual Festa dinner of Kpop boy band BTS, the septet shared that they will be taking a temporary break as a group.

Source: BANGTANTV

The unexpected topic during the celebration dinner of BTS was casually opened up by the group's rapper and songwriter SUGA. He shares, “We're taking a temporary break now.” Although adamant to talk about it at first, the group's leader and rapper RM, later on, shared the reason behind the decision.

Source: BTS

RM started by expressing how happy he is that the group is all together and shooting their Festa dinner then he went on to share his story. He says, “I started music and became BTS because I had a message for the world. I didn't know what I would do after “ON” but then COVID-19 came up so we did 'Dynamite,' 'Butter,' 'Permission to Dance,' and '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. Whenever I write lyrics and songs it's really important what kind of story and message I want to give out but it was like that was gone now. I don't know what kind of story I should tell now,” he somberly admits.

RM had a vision for BTS and always thought that the group was different from others but he reveals that Kpop and its whole idol system were challenging.

He says, “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."

He further admits, “But 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 were going to do as a group from now on. I don't know what kind of direction our group has to take."

For RM, it's important to not lose himself in the process of growth and to be continuously aware of why he is a member of BTS.

SUGA also shares, “The hardest thing is writing lyrics, nothing comes out! There's really nothing to say. I have to talk about something that I really feel but right now I'm just squeezing it out because we have to satisfy people's wants and the listeners. It's so painful.”

Source: BTS

RM shared that it took a while for them to admit their feelings because they felt it would be rude to their ARMYs, the collective name for BTS fans. He shares, “We achieved this much thanks to our fans but we aren't living up to their expectations.”

Singer and dancer Jimin shared as well that their fans are the most important to them. He says, “We can't help but think of our fans no matter what, what kind of artists we want to be remembered by our fans. I think now, finally, we've come 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. Our fans know us and we know us.”

Source: BTS

Because the members wanted to be as transparent as possible to their fans, they admitted the hardships they are going through in discovering who they are as individuals. Hence, the break they are taking as a group.

But this is not a sign of a breakup, that's what BTS is reassuring their fans with. It's just time for them to show their individual colors.

“I think we should spend some time apart to learn how to be one again,” shared rapper and dancer J-Hope.

He further states, “I hope you don't see this as a negative thing, and see it as a healthy plan. I think BTS will become stronger that way.”

Source: BTS

The members have also shared that there are already existing plans for solo releases. RM shared that their individual mixtapes will now be treated more like proper albums.

A spokesperson of the group also shared with Billboard, “To be clear, they are not on hiatus, but it will take time to explore some solo projects at this time and remain active in various different formats.”

In the meantime, you might want to start following the members' own Instagram accounts.