Fans of BTS are marveling at how the global K-pop sensation has transformed the concept of a hiatus, turning what was expected to be a quiet period into a vibrant era of solo achievements. Initially announced in June 2022 during their FESTA dinner, the group’s break was tied to mandatory military service in South Korea, with a planned reunion set for 2025. Far from fading into the background, RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have kept fans engaged with solo albums, tours, and diverse projects, prompting fans to declare on X:
“Viola… They changed the meaning of hiatus. So well fed fandom, others can’t relate.” – @BRIELLE0911
The BTS ARMY once feared a content drought, with some fanbases planning recharting projects to stay occupied. Instead, the group’s strategic planning ensured a steady stream of music and activities. As one fan reflected on X:
“In hindsight …. i CANT believe we were ever worried about being bored n jobless for their enlistment. … Look at me now broke as ever, behind on content, missing v-lives and still not fluent in Korean.”
A Packed Solo Era Amid Military Duties
South Korea’s mandatory military service requires men to serve 18-21 months by age 30. Jin, the eldest, enlisted in December 2022, followed by J-Hope and SUGA in 2023, and RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook by December 2023. Despite these commitments, the members released an impressive array of solo projects between 2022 and 2025, as detailed below:
Jin:
- The Astronaut – Single (October 2022)
- Happy – Mini Album (November 2024)
- Echo – Mini Album (May 2025)
- RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR – Solo World Tour (June–August 2025), starting in South Korea, covering Japan, U.S. cities (Anaheim, Dallas, Tampa, Newark), and concluding in London and Amsterdam.
J-Hope:
- Jack In The Box – Album (July 2022)
- On the Street (with J. Cole) – Single (March 2023)
- HOPE ON THE STREET Vol.1 – Mini Album (March 2024)
- Sweet Dreams – Single (March 2025)
- MONA LISA – Single (March 2025)
- HOPE ON THE STREET TOUR – Solo Tour (February–June 2025), including Seoul and Manila.
RM:
- Indigo – Album (December 2022)
- Right Place, Wrong Person – Album (May 2024)
- Jimin:
- FACE – Album (March 2023)
- MUSE – Album (July 2024)
SUGA (Agust D):
- D-DAY – Album (April 2023)
- Agust D Tour ‘D-DAY’ – Solo World Tour (April–August 2023)
V (Kim Taehyung):
- Layover – Album (September 2023)
- FRI(END)S – Single (March 2024)
- Winter Ahead – Single (November 2024)
Jungkook:
- Seven (feat. Latto) – Single (July 2023)
- GOLDEN – Album (November 2023)
- Standing Next to You (Usher Remix) – Single (December 2023)
- Never Let Go – Single (June 2024)
These projects have achieved remarkable success. Jimin’s Like Crazy and Jungkook’s Seven topped the Billboard Hot 100, while SUGA’s D-DAY hit No. 2 on the Billboard 200. J-Hope made history as the first K-pop artist to headline Lollapalooza. Fans on X noted the financial strain of keeping up, with one writing:
“I’m spending more time and money on bts during the military ‘hiatus’ than when they were active as a group.”
Strategic Planning and Fan Engagement
BTS and their label, Big Hit Music (under HYBE), meticulously planned this era. Pre-recorded content, such as Jimin and Jungkook’s travel show Are You Sure?! (premiered on Disney+ in August 2024), and group releases like The Planet for the Bastions soundtrack (May 2023) and Take Two for their 10th anniversary (June 2023), kept the group’s presence alive. Jin’s variety show Kian’s Bizarre B&B on Netflix and J-Hope’s ceremonial pitch at the 2024 KBO Korean Series further diversified their activities.
The group’s contract renewal with HYBE in September 2023 ensured their commitment to group activities post-2025, easing fears of a permanent split. HYBE stated:
“With the renewal of their contracts, we are looking forward to supporting BTS’ group activities expected in 2025.”
Fans have praised this approach, with one X user stating:
“Solos were launched, and can exist together with group. I’m sure that’s the plan.”
Challenges and Future Outlook
Not all moments were smooth. SUGA faced controversy in September 2024 over a drunk-driving incident while serving as a social worker, raising concerns about its impact on the group’s comeback. HYBE has since emphasized a cautious approach, noting in a 2024 earnings call that 2026 plans remain under discussion.
As Jin and J-Hope have completed their service (discharged June and October 2024, respectively), and the remaining members (RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook, and SUGA) are set to finish by June 2025, fans anticipate a blend of solo and group work. Jin’s RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR and J-Hope’s HOPE ON THE STREET TOUR signal that solo endeavors will continue, with one fan on X asserting:
“Are OT7’s foolish enough to think the ‘solo era’ will end once they have all completed enlistment? … OF COURSE the guys will do BTS projects, but people are foolish to think solo work will just cease.”
The BTS ARMY remains fiercely supportive, with posts on X celebrating the group’s resilience. One user wrote, “No clue why ppl think armys are sad or mad at bts going on solo tours … bts are constantly booked and busy solo or together.” Another humorously noted, “They do not understand the meaning of hiatus I fear.”
BTS’s solo era has added depth to their artistry, showcasing individual talents while maintaining their collective bond. With Jin’s Echo album and tour on the horizon, and the group’s reunion looming, the latest update as of April 18, 2025, confirms BTS is poised to redefine K-pop once again.
Credits: BigHit Music, X(twitter)
