PHOTOSSee Ya Later! BTS Announces Extended Hiatus — But Why?
K-pop superstars BTS are taking a break! Hours after the group performed at the annual Lotte Duty Free Family concert, their company Big Hit Entertainment announced on Twitter that they would be taking a “extended” step away from the spotlight.
“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,” the statement read in part.
“This will also provide them with a chance to enjoy the ordinary lives of young people in their 20s, albeit briefly,” Big Hit added.
BTS debuted back in 2013 and since then members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have had very few days off. In 2019 alone, the group finished up the last half of their 42-date Love Yourself world tour before adding a 20-date extended tour called Love Yourself: Speak Yourself.
The U.S. leg of the Speak Yourself tour included sold out stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. They became the first Asian act to sell out the Rose Bowl and in May 2019, the tour was the high grossing tour in the world.
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
Now, it’s time for the seven members to reap the benefits of their success. Though BTS fans will no doubt miss the group, the brief downtime has been met with support. “YES!!!!!” one fan wrote on Twitter. “REST!!!!!!!!!” Another wrote, "SO GLAD they get time to go have that mid-twenties personal growth."
Big Hit did not provide a detailed timeline for the break, but presumably their vacation won’t be for too long as they have a scheduled concert in Saudi Arabia on October 11.
On August 12, Jimin, 23, did a surprise livestream and admitted that he wasn't sure how much relaxing he would actually accomplish during his time off. The “Serendipity” singer explained that he tends to get restless when left to his own devices.
What do you think about BTS taking a months-long break? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
