BTS might be on military hiatus, but their presence is as solid as ever. Several of the group members' solo works have made it to the 'Best Songs and Albums of the First Half of the Year,' selected by prominent foreign media outlets.
On the 13th, American media outlet Complex featured J-Hope's 'On The Street' as one of the 'Best Songs of 2023.' They praised the song stating, "Korean pop star J-Hope and rap legend J. Cole, two talented artists, have used their exceptional storytelling ability to bridge cultural differences in this song."
Suga, under his moniker Agust D, landed on the '40 Best Songs of 2023 So Far,' recently released by the LA Times, with 'Haegeum,' the title track of his solo album 'D-DAY.' The LA Times described 'Haegeum' as "a song that throws ambiguous questions at the younger generation living bound by various constraints and internet culture."
Rolling Stone and Consequence of Music, notable American music magazines, named Suga's 'D-DAY' as one of the 'Best Albums of 2023 So Far.' Consequence of Music described 'D-DAY' as "Suga's third work as Agust D, his first full-length project, and his most complete work."
Rolling Stone selected Jimin's first solo album 'FACE' and its title track 'Like Crazy' as one of the 'Best Albums' and 'Best Songs of 2023 So Far' respectively.
Rolling Stone wrote, "It seems that Jimin is eager to relish the image he has built over more than a decade of receiving worldwide spotlight. Jimin often appeared as the member closest to classic R&B in BTS. This single gives a dreamy feel, simultaneously playful, and soulful."
Billboard included 'Like Crazy' in the '50 Best Songs of 2023 So Far: Staff Picks' on the 22nd, and praised, "At least until Jimin hit the charts, the K-pop phenomenon in the United States was formed mainly by groups. Jimin made history as the first Korean solo artist to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100."
