Pioneering K-Pop Boy Band BTS Announces Temporary Hiatus To Focus On Solo Careers Leaving Fans And Investors Shocked

K-pop boy band BTS has announced late on Tuesday (Jun 14) that it will be taking an indefinite hiatus from group performances and focus on the bandmates’ individual careers.

The seven-member band attained cult status globally with extremely catchy tunes, unique dancing style and sustained engagement with their fans through various social media channels.

Following the decision, the shares of Hybe, the South Korea entertainment agency that manages the group, plunged by over 28% to their lowest level since the agency made its initial public offering in 2020.

BTS broke the news late on Tuesday night through a pre-recorded video posted on the band’s official YouTube channel, BangtanTV. In the video, the band members were seen celebrating their ninth anniversary over dinner, sharing their honest thoughts about their musical journey and their future plans.

The septet—consisting of members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook- will pursue their solo careers, with each member planning to release albums soon.

"I always thought that BTS was different from other groups, but the problem with K-pop and the whole idol system is that they don't give you time to mature," member RM said.

"You have to keep producing music and keep doing something. But after 10 years of living as BTS and working all of our schedules, I can't physically mature anymore," he said.

On social media, fans around the world expressed support for BTS by trending hashtags such as #BTSandArmy and #YetToCome, with many promising to "wait" for the band's return.

The band's decision also comes amid a brewing controversy over whether to exempt BTS from South Korea's compulsory military service. A bill pushing for providing military exemptions to globally renowned artists is pending in parliament.