Days after releasing their three-disc anthology compilation, Proof, BTS announced that they’re going on a ‘indefinite hiatus to focus on solo careers.’  The group released a statement stating, “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.”

 

Jin, Jimin, RM, J-Hope, Suga, V, and Jungkook announced their decision during a pre-taped special that was released as part of FESTA, “Which is an annual celebration tied to the anniversary of the group’s debut album,” according to Billboard.  Reminiscing about their early years, Suga says, “We’re going into a hiatus now. Should we talk about why we’re not doing the FESTA or making content?”

 

 

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RM then spoke about the band’s accomplishments and how much he’s enjoyed being apart of BTS, “In recent years, the group has definitely changed, and I don’t know what kind of group we are 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.”

 

RM added, “It’s time to mature… there’s no time left for growth.  Right now, we’ve lost our direction, and I just want to take some time to think.”  Jimin also chimed in, explaining how the group has been ‘going through a rough patch as the guys try to find their identity,’ “The hardest thing is writing lyrics… 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, but that’s just how this job goes.”

 

 

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Although BTS are taking a break, they’ll be focusing on individual projects.  J-Hope is said to be the first to debut, and is getting prepared to headline Lollapalooza later this summer as a summer solo.  Also expect solo, future projects from Jimin, Suga, and Jungkook.

 

Jungkook added, “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.” A spokesperson for the band later told Rolling Stone, “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.”

 

 

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