The members of K-pop superstars BTS are currently on a hiatus from group activities as they focus on their solo endeavors. As is customary for many K-Pop artists, RM, Jin, Suga (who has his solo career under the alias Agust D), Jimin, and Jungkook have been working hard to build their individual spaces within the industry. But despite their separate projects, the band has promised fans that they would reconvene as BTS in 2025. This has now been confirmed by HYBE, the agency that manages the septet. The company released a statement to Yonhap News, saying that the board had decided to extend the exclusive contracts of all seven members of BTS for a second time. The decision was made well before the original contracts expired, and it is clear that the members have a strong desire to work together as a group.
BTS is the biggest boy band in the world and has been credited with generating billions of dollars for South Korea, not to mention boosting the country’s image and soft power globally. But even though they are a cultural force to be reckoned with, they can’t avoid the country’s mandatory military service – which starts at age 28 for men in South Korea. As a result, the group’s oldest member, Jin, has begun his military service. The other members are expected to follow suit soon, though it has yet to be confirmed when exactly.
Nevertheless, the group’s management company, Big Hit Music, has revealed that the members will remain under contract with HYBE until they complete their service. They have also reassured fans that the septet will return as a full-time group after military service.
As the members prepare to enlist, HYBE has worked closely with military authorities to ensure the group receives all the necessary support. The company is reportedly working to create a schedule for the group to meet with their fans while in the military. The schedule will also be created to allow the members to complete their duties in the best possible way without impacting their musical careers.
As for the future, the OT7 fans have much to be excited about. Besides working on their solo projects, the band has promised to return to their music in 2025 with an anthology album. Until then, they will keep their fans updated on their projects through social media. Chantal Da Silva is a breaking news editor for NBC News Digital based in London.
