It's been a whirlwind journey for BTS and their dedicated fans since the group announced their hiatus in 2022. Now, as they prepare to drop their highly anticipated new album, ARIRANG, and embark on a massive world tour, let's take a look at what each member has been up to during this period of solo exploration and military service.
Jin: The Astronaut's Journey
Jin was the first to embark on this solo adventure, releasing his debut track, "The Astronaut," a heartfelt collaboration with Coldplay. This song, a gift to fans before his military service, showcased Jin's unique voice and set the tone for his artistic journey. After completing his service, Jin returned with a bang, releasing his debut EP, "Happy," and following it up with the EP "Echo." His solo era was capped off with the "#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR," which saw him perform solo shows in the US and beyond for the first time.
What makes this particularly fascinating is Jin's ability to seamlessly transition between his military duties and his artistic pursuits. His solo work, especially the web series "Run Jin," offered a glimpse into his personal life and brand collaborations, solidifying his status as a symbol of BTS' reunion.
j-hope: A Raw and Experimental Chapter
j-hope, known for his upbeat personality, took a darker turn with his solo album, "Jack in the Box." This concept-driven project showcased a more experimental side to his music, which he brought to life at Lollapalooza, launching his solo career on a global stage. Before his enlistment, j-hope released the reflective single "on the street" with J. Cole, a love letter to his fans and his roots as a street dancer.
After completing his military service, j-hope resumed his ambassador duties and released a series of singles, including "Sweet Dreams," "Mona Lisa," and a collaboration with GloRilla. He then embarked on a solo tour, performing in arenas and stadiums across the US and headlining Lollapalooza Berlin. j-hope's solo era has been a testament to his versatility and ability to connect with fans on a deeper level.
SUGA: The Agust D Trilogy
While Jin and j-hope were blazing trails, SUGA was quietly working on his Agust D trilogy, which culminated in his solo album, "D-DAY." This project, accompanied by a Disney+ documentary, showcased SUGA's raw intensity and a more expansive sound. He then took Agust D on tour, becoming the first BTS member to complete a full solo arena tour.
SUGA's military service didn't stop his creative output. He maintained a presence through soundtrack work and production credits, and his talk show, "Suchwita," continued to be a platform for candid conversations with fellow artists. SUGA's dedication to his craft, even during his service, is a testament to his passion and work ethic.
RM: Introspection and Art
As BTS' leader, RM used the hiatus to reflect and create his first solo album, "Indigo." This intimate record, featuring a stacked guest list, showcased RM's love for alternative, folk, and hip-hop. Unlike some of his peers, RM opted for smaller venues and conversation-driven content, highlighting his interest in contemporary art and design.
In 2023, RM traveled to Spain for inspiration, resulting in his second album, "Right Place, Wrong Person." This album further explored stylized sonics and featured experimental artists. RM's enlistment didn't slow him down; he released a documentary and appeared on Megan Thee Stallion's track "Neva Play." After completing his service, RM re-emerged as a guest curator for "RM x SFMOMA," showcasing his personal collection and his love for art.
V: A Jazz-Tinted Lane
V's solo work during the hiatus was all about creating a unique mood. His debut solo album, "Layover," showcased his smoky baritone and old-Hollywood charm through vintage soul and jazz. V kept busy with promotional work and brand collaborations, and even offered a special duet version of "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby during the holidays.
V's military service didn't deter his solo activities. Since his discharge, V has remained relatively quiet, but his solo efforts, including the single "FRI(END)S," have carved out a distinct, jazz-tinged lane for him to explore further.
Jimin: A Solo Sensation
Jimin launched his solo era with his debut album, "FACE," which provided a glimpse into his thoughts and insecurities. The album was a hit, and "Like Crazy," its second single, debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making Jimin the first South Korean solo artist to achieve this feat. Jimin's enlistment didn't stop his creative output; he released the fan-dedicated single "Closer Than This" and his second solo album, "MUSE," while completing his service.
Jimin's solo work has been a massive success, breaking records and solidifying his status as a solo artist. His collaboration with RM on "Smeraldo Garden Marching Band" and his appearance on the "Fast X" soundtrack further highlight his versatility and talent.
Jung Kook: Golden Versatility
Jung Kook wasted no time after the hiatus, releasing his first solo single, "Dreamers," for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He kept the momentum going with his debut solo effort, "GOLDEN," which showcased his versatile singing voice and energetic persona. Jung Kook's enlistment saw him release the single "Never Let Go" for BTS' anniversary and appear in the documentary "Jung Kook: I Am Still."
Jung Kook's solo work has been a crossover hit, appealing to a wide audience. His ability to collaborate with a diverse range of producers and songwriters has solidified his status as a versatile artist. Since his discharge, Jung Kook has returned to the spotlight as a brand ambassador, and fans eagerly await his next move.
A New Chapter for BTS
As BTS prepares for their comeback with ARIRANG and their world tour, it's clear that each member has used this hiatus to explore their artistic identities and connect with fans on a deeper level. Their solo eras have been a testament to their talent, versatility, and dedication to their craft. Now, with all seven members reunited, BTS is poised to write a new chapter in their legendary story.
