Korean pop sensations BTS will be taking time to “explore some solo projects” – but they will not be taking a hiatus, a representative for the band has said.
In a pre-recorded video to celebrate the nine-year anniversary of their debut release, the music megastars reflected on the success they have had together as well as the challenges they faced due to the pandemic.
The seven members of the boy band — who go by the names J-Hope, Suga, Jungkook, V, Jin, RM and Jimin – explained they were now exploring individual projects and music.
The announcement was made during their annual Festa event, which celebrates their debut anniversary, with the video later being shared to their YouTube channel.
After reports suggested the group were taking a hiatus, the boyband’s legion of dedicated fans expressed their devastation on social media.
[#2022BTSFESTA]🕘614기다리고 기다렸던2022 찐 방탄회식 공개!(https://t.co/lxC4g968IC)#2022BTSFESTA#BTS9thAnniversary#2022찐방탄회식#아미사랑해 #아포방포
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) June 14, 2022
However, a representative of the band clarified to the PA news agency: “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 K-pop superstars had shown no signs of slowing down recently, having released a new three-disc anthology album titled Proof on Friday.
While last month the boy band met with US President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss Asian inclusion and representation and to address hate crime against Asian people.
Excited for you all to experience our album #BTS_Proof in #SpatialAudio with @Dolby Atmos. Listen now on @AppleMusic 🎧 https://t.co/ztxJJzlvDF#BTS #방탄소년단 #YetToCome pic.twitter.com/3GJ5zBzBmU
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) June 11, 2022
Since their debut in 2013, BTS have won global recognition for their self-produced music and activism, which included giving a speech at the United Nations and publicly calling out anti-Asian racism.
Across their career, they have won a host of awards including nods at the MTV European and Video Music Awards.
For the past two years, they have also been nominated in the Brit Awards international group category and for the Grammy Awards best pop duo/group performance prize.
The K-pop superstars were also named the 2021 global recording artist of the year by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), making them the first act to win the award for two consecutive years.