Last December marked the beginning of BTS's military hiatus with Jin's enlistment. As of December this year, with the enlistment of RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook, all members are now serving their national duty. Throughout 2023, each member shone in their respective fields, heightening anticipation for their full-group activities in 2025.
Individual Focus and Solo Success:
Since declaring a temporary pause in group activities following the June 2022 release of their anthology album 'Proof,' BTS has concentrated on individual activities. This year, as solo artists, they continued to display their unique musical colors to ARMYs (BTS's fandom) worldwide.
- J-Hope topped iTunes 'Top Songs' charts in over 80 countries with his March release 'on the street (with J. Cole)' and ranked 60th on Billboard's 'Hot 100'.
- Suga, under his alias Agust D, released 'D-DAY' in April, securing the 2nd spot on Billboard's 'Billboard 200'. He also embarked on his first solo world tour, meeting around 330,000 fans.
- RM engaged in a wide array of activities, from collaborations with artists like Hwang So-yoon and Colde, to being a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense's recovery team and hosting tvN's 'Useless Facts Dictionary'.
- Jimin released his first solo album 'FACE' in March, reaching 2nd on 'Billboard 200' and being the first K-pop solo artist to top the 'Hot 100' with 'Like Crazy'. He also achieved a million-seller record on the first day of release.
- V's September solo album 'Layover' stayed on the 'Billboard 200' for 8 weeks, setting a record for the longest-charting K-pop solo album. He also shined as a variety show star.
- Jungkook, the group's 'Golden Maknae', dominated global music charts with his July single 'Seven'. 'Seven' ranked 4th globally in Spotify's '2023 Wrapped' campaign and won 'Top Global K-Pop Song' at the '2023 Billboard Music Awards'. His subsequent solo tracks '3D' and 'Standing next to you' also achieved remarkable success.
A New Spring Day in 2025:
With a law allowing cultural artists like BTS to defer military service until 30, the members voluntarily began their service early. Jungkook, the youngest, also started his military duties this year, clarifying the path for BTS's full return in 2025.
BTS plans to reduce the perceived hiatus with various pre-prepared content. Jungkook teased fans with a promise of a big spoiler for their wait, while RM, V, and Jimin mentioned recording various videos before their enlistments. Jin and J-Hope, expected to return from service in June and October 2024, will reconnect with fans.
Reaffirming their commitment, BTS renewed their contract with Big Hit Music in September. HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk hinted at a commemorative album for the 10th anniversary of their 2015 'Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa' release.
As all members began their military service by December 12th, 'Spring Day' from their 2017 album 'WINGS: You Never Walk Alone' surged back on the charts, hitting no. 1 in 83 countries. This unexpected rise symbolizes fans' longing for BTS's full return, echoing the lyrics "Until the cold winter ends and the spring day comes."
