K-pop boy band BTS, during the recently held FESTA dinner, announced that they are going on a “temporary hiatus” to focus on their solo careers, but promised to “return someday.” Several members broke down in tears as they bid farewell to their fans, who call themselves the BTS ARMY. 

Band member RM said it was time for them to work on their own so they could focus on individual growth. 

“I always thought that BTS was different from other groups, but the problem with K-pop and the whole idol system is that they don’t give you time to mature. You have to keep producing music and keep doing something,” RM said.

Also Read: What is BTS and YouTube’s new challenge ahead of ‘Proof’ release

Thanking their fans, Jimin said, “We can’t help but think of our fans no matter what, we want to be the kind of artists that are remembered by our fans. I think now we’re starting to think about what kind of artists we each want to be remembered by our fans.”

“I think that’s why we’re going through a rough patch right now, we’re trying to find our identity and that’s an exhausting and long process,” he added.

Also Read: ‘I saw it from afar but now I get to go in’: BTS’ RM on White House visit

Soon after the announcement, several fans took to social media to show their support. 

“BTS taking a break to focus on themselves is something im never going to complain about.. it could be thousand years and I’ll still be waiting for them with open arms,” one person tweeted.

Also Read: BBMA 2022: BTS scripts history, Olivia Rodrigo,Ye tied at 6

“The trust bts has in us i’m tearing up right now i’m so glad they know they can share everything with us i’ll always be by their side,” another person commented.