A group that will turn the K-pop scene, or rather the global music landscape, upside down is coming back. It is none other than BTS.
In June, BTS members will be discharged one after another. On the 10th, members V and RM will be discharged, followed by Jimin and Jungkook on the 11th, and Suga, who is currently serving in social service, will be discharged on the 21st, marking the end of their military service and the return of the full group.
The eldest brother Jin and J-Hope have already completed their military service last year. Starting with Jin in December 2022, BTS entered a military break (military + hiatus) for about 2 years and 6 months, but the actual experience was not so. While no songs were released as a group, each member continuously knocked on the public's ears through the release of solo songs they had prepared in advance.
BTS's musical activities continued, and the results were of a high standard, proving their unwavering influence.
◆ Time for Solo Music Growth
First, the activities of the vocal line members were effective. Jimin topped the US Billboard main single chart 'Hot 100' with his solo song 'Like Crazy' released in April 2023. This monumental achievement marked the 66th record in history to debut at number one on the chart. Notably, this was the first record set by a Korean solo artist following BTS, receiving high praise locally.
Following this momentum, Jungkook also topped the US Billboard main chart 'Hot 100' with his solo single 'Seven' released in July 2023. Like Jimin, he went straight to number one upon entering the chart, adding significance.
With this, BTS became the 9th group in history, alongside The Beatles, Black Eyed Peas, Destiny's Child, and Genesis, to have two or more individual members reach the top of the 'Hot 100'.
BTS's presence on the Billboard charts remains strong. Jimin's second solo album 'Muse' title track 'Hoo' recorded 84th on the 'Global 200', staying on the chart for an impressive 45 weeks. Jungkook's 'Seven' is also ranked 140th, remaining on the chart for 97 weeks.
Following in their footsteps, Jin and J-Hope also released solo new songs in the first half of this year, minimizing the hiatus and warming up for the full group return. Jin's mini album 'Ego' recorded 4th and 6th on 'Billboard Global (excluding the US)' and 'Global 200', respectively, riding the wave of success.
◆ It's Okay Without the Members~ 'ARMY' Opens the Festival 'BTS Festa'
What truly highlighted the individual achievements of the members was undoubtedly the unity of the fans. The fandom 'ARMY', which is a key contributor to the music's success, shone offline as well. This was proven through the 'BTS Festa'.
On June 13, 2023, when the members went to the military, the 'BTS 10th Anniversary Festa' was held in Yeouido to celebrate their 10th anniversary. According to HYBE, the number of visitors to Yeouido Hangang Park reached 350,000, with 50,000 in the surrounding area, totaling 400,000 ARMYs participating in the event. Among them, the number of foreign ARMYs reached 120,000.
The following year, they held the Festa at Jamsil Sports Complex, gathering hundreds of thousands of fans from home and abroad. Notably, Jin, who was discharged the day before the event, held a hug session with over 1,000 fans on the day of the Festa, responding to their love.
The absence of the full group during the hiatus was overshadowed by the tremendous fan power displayed by ARMYs in the members' absence.
This year, the BTS Festa will be held online and offline for two weeks starting from the 1st. On the 13th and 14th, they will operate a booth in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, welcoming fans. Notably, on the 13th, J-Hope will hold an encore solo concert at Goyang Sports Complex to celebrate the debut day.
Previously, J-Hope achieved the feat of holding his first solo world tour in 15 cities worldwide, starting in Seoul in February. Jin is also set to hold a solo concert at the same venue on the 28th and 29th of this month, continuing the excitement for ARMYs.
In addition, Jin made a surprise appearance as a guest at Coldplay's concert, which is considered the best concert in Korea this year, showcasing his global artist qualities.
Thus, BTS has continued to grow musically through the expression of individual capabilities during their military break, fueling anticipation for their full group return.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
