BTS lead RM Namjoon has replied to claims that the K-pop band is taking a break, denies any hiatus, and claims that the group’s declaration to focus on solo projects in addition to group projects was distorted in the media.
Several fans of the band have spoken out against it. They were claiming that it hinders artists from being honest about their fatigue and fragility.
“It’s not like we were hoping they (media) would watch our program… till the finish and publish their thoughts.” Only screenshots of me weeping went viral… “I wonder if I should have been more daring in sharing…” stated RM in a post on the fan portal Weverse.
During a televised dinner marking their 9th debut anniversary on Tuesday, one of the BTS members reportedly stated that the group is on “hiatus.”
A statement later denied by the band and its talent agency.
Mistranslation of words
According to Hybe, it mistranslated from Korean to English with subtitles. During those few hours of misunderstanding, BTS’s ARMY flocked to social media to vent their displeasure, and Hybe’s stock price plummeted.
“To be clear, [BTS] is not on hiatus,” Hybe explained later. “At this moment, [BTS] will take time to explore certain independent projects while remaining active in various forms.”
The band members acknowledged the need to rethink BTS’ future during the broadcast, citing burnout and a lack of creativity as reasons.
K-pop and the idol system do not allow for growth
“I’ve always believed BTS was unique, but the problem with K-pop and the idol system, in general, is that they don’t allow you time to mature,” RM remarked. Adding that the strain of always releasing songs is exhausting.
“I believe that’s why we’re having such a difficult time right now.” “We’re trying to figure out who we are, and it’s a lengthy and stressful process,” said Jimin, another member.
V, the band’s frontman, went on to say that the band was not breaking up and that they would reconvene in the future with “synergy unlike any other.”
Fan criticizing media
Following the explanation, fans turned to social media to criticize the media’s coverage of the band’s statement, despite not having watched the full show.
“I applaud all of BTS’ actions, and honestly, it’s bold of them to take a step back and declare so openly that they’re trying to find purpose in their work instead of simply churning out songs for the sake of it,” said Preetika Ravidas (22). She is a long-time BTS fan from Siliguri.
“The video from which the ‘hiatus’ news was derived is a yearly release in which the band has open conversations about the previous year and what lies ahead, and it was made out to be such a huge thing that the members feel like they shouldn’t have opened up so much,” she continued.
“It’ll always be perplexing to me how people are so willing to listen that they miss hearing,” one 18-year-old fan defended RM’s online remark.
“I hope you can obtain anything you require while you are resting.” “You’ve all worked so hard,” she wrote on social media, addressing the band.
