INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 03: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (L-R) V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin, … [+]
After one of the most exciting years in their time together, the members of BTS are all going their separate ways. But fans of the South Korean band don’t need to fret, as it isn’t for good, but rather just for a short break.
The news was shared by BTS’s management company Big Hit, and it was published on social media, immediately going viral. While fans of some acts may be quite upset regarding such a revelation, ARMYs (the name BTS fans have taken for themselves) were quick to support the septet. Thousands of followers rushed to comment that the band deserves some time off, and many have a feeling it won’t be long before the performers are back, as this has happened before.
In 2019, BTS also took a hiatus, one which only ended up lasting a few months. Typically, K-pop acts are always on, recording new music, performing for fans and creating other forms of content, so a break may only last a matter of weeks or months, as opposed to several years.
After the 2021 BTS has enjoyed, few can argue they haven’t earned some time off. The South Korean boy band released one album this year, BTS, the Best, a compilation aimed at the Japanese market. It quickly rose to No. 1 on that country’s albums ranking, and it even broke into the top 20 on the Billboard 200 in America.
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The group was far more focused on singles in 2021, and they managed to completely dominate songs rankings in a number of places with just a handful of releases, highlighting their immense popularity and power.
In 2021, BTS scored three Hot 100 No. 1 singles, with all of them debuting in first place. The group’s own “Butter” opened atop the tally of the most-consumed tracks in the country, and it went on to be named Song of the Summer by Billboard. It also earned the most weeks at No. 1, claiming the throne for 10 nonconsecutive turns.
As if that success wasn’t enough, BTS interrupted their own winning streak with a second No. 1 debut, as “Permission to Dance” conquered the Hot 100 with ease. The group then teamed up with Coldplay for the joint single “My Universe,” which brought both bands back to the summit.
In addition to their success on the charts, BTS also recently made history by selling out SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA four nights in a row. In doing so, they scored one of the largest single-event ticket gross totals in history, as they raked in $33 million in sales by playing to more than 200,000 fans. BTS is also currently up for a Grammy, which they could win this coming January.
Here is the full statement published by BTS’s representatives at Big Hit:
“Hello. This is BIGHIT MUSIC. We would like to inform you that BTS is planning to take a second official extended period of rest since their first in 2019 after they complete their official scheduled events of BTS Permission To Dance On Stage- LA and the 2021 Jingle Ball Tour. BTS stayed active in order to engage with fans in 2020 and 2021 amidst the Covid-19 situation, and achieved dazzling results to cement themselves as top global artists.
This period of rest will provide the members of BTS who have tirelessly committed themselves to their activities, a chance to get re-inspired and recharge with creative energy. It will also be the first time for them since their debut to spend the holiday season with their families. We kindly ask once again that you show consideration for their need to enjoy ordinary and free, everyday lives while solely concentrating on themselves, albeit for a short while, during their period of rest,” it added.
BTS will be focusing on preparing for the concert and release of the new album that will mark the beginning of a ‘new chapter’. They are preparing for a concert this coming March to connect and communicate with the fans in-person in Seoul. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the fans who continue to cheer for BTS and they will return as their best, healthiest selves after recharging so they can return all the love from the fans. Thank you.”
