The K-pop boyband BTS have been breaking records and stealing hearts across the globe, but after countless years on tour, the Bangtan Boys need a break.
This weekend, the group’s management company Big Hit Entertainment announced that the band will head out on an “extended hiatus.”
“BTS will be going on an official and extended period of rest and relaxation,” the company said in a statement. “This period of rest will be an opportunity for the members of BTS, who have relentlessly driven themselves towards their goal since their debut, to recharge and prepare to present themselves anew as musicians and creators. This will also provide them with a chance to enjoy ordinary lives of young people in their 20’s, albeit briefly. During this time, the members will rest and recharge in their own personal ways.”
Fans have been asked to show members of BTS consideration for their need to rest and enjoy their private time off, should they encounter them on their vacation. Big Hit noted that this is not the end of the band however, as they will “return refreshed and recharged” soon to “return all the love you have and continue to show them.”
While their fans, known as the Army, were rightfully sad to hear of the hiatus, many wished them well and are excited for their comeback.
BTS have officially put K-pop on the map. From 2013 to 2016, the group released a string of albums, but they really made their mark with the release of 2017’s Love Yourself ‘Her’ and 2018’s FACE YOURSELF, garnering attention with tracks “DNA” and “MIC Drop.” They continued with Love Yourself ‘Tear’ and Love Yourself ‘Answer’ in 2018, as well as MAP OF THE SOUL: PERSONA, which dropped this past April. In addition to their consistent albums, they’ve collaborated with A-list artists like Halsey on “Boy With Luv,” Lil Nas X for “Seoul Town Road Remix,” and “Dream Glow” with Charli XCX.
In support of their music, the group has been touring across the world. Last spring, BTS surprised fans with a world tour announcement, completely shaking their fanbase. They made stops across the U.S. and Europe, stopping in London for the first time, and became the first K-pop band to perform at the Billboard Music Awards. The response was overwhelming, causing them to book a show at New York City’s Citi Field, making them the first K-pop band to play a U.S. stadium. Then, this February, they revealed the Love Yourself: Speak Yourself World Tour, which hit Los Angeles’ Rose Bowl and New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium before wrapping-up in Japan in July.
