Expected to reunite in June, fans of the Bangtan Boys have been eagerly awaiting the day all seven members are together for the first time since their hiatus was announced in 2022. For others, this might not ring a bell, but “BTS” surely does.
The third generation K-pop group, known for blending hip-hop, R&B, and pop influences, formed in 2010 and went on to achieve global popularity at the hands of their unique music and performances as well as their strong message and connection with fans, who are called ARMY.
In the three years of their hiatus, the seven members have released individual music, achieving multiple successes in the top 10 of the Billboard Top 200. While all seven members have released solo work, the past year showed solo albums from members RM and Jimin as well as a debut world tour from rapper J-Hope with ‘Hope on the Stage.’
Following the hype and success of his solo tour, J-Hope, who was the second member to return from his military service, discussed how his life has changed, as well as the reunion of the band.
“I think the most important thing was that I realized how important the work I’ve been doing for all these years is incredibly meaningful to me,” he said. “That was basically the main thing I felt. Even though I was in the service, I think there was a part of me, who never really let go of my love for music.”
A Nonnewaug junior who asked to remain anonymous explained that J-Hope was one of the first members who caught their interest.
“I started listening to BTS after I heard ‘Ego,’” they said, explaining that J-Hope’s solo feature on Map of the Soul: 7 was their introduction to the group.
“I really like their older music, and I personally liked their English songs as well, like Dynamite and Butter,” the anonymous junior said.
Still, they echo my fears of an all-English comeback.
“I’ve thought about it being an English comeback, and I don’t really like that,” they said.
For many Western fans, myself included, the language barrier is not a negative, and is actually part of the appeal to the authenticity and sound of the music. While their English songs provided a fun, lighthearted sound to those who listen, they ultimately stood out from their discography overall.
“We will quickly get together and talk about what BTS can do in the future,” J-Hope said in an interview with Zane Lowe. He also said he is looking forward to June when the five remaining members will have completed their service.
I couldn’t be more proud of the seven for their service, and would love to see them back together. Still, I have some anxiety towards the highly anticipated reunion.
For BTS’ ARMY, this celebratory time comes with many strong emotions. Even J-Hope acknowledged that the reunion will be a unique experience for the members.
“The funny thing for me is when our identities, which have taken shape in various ways, come together as BTS,” he said, “I’m curious to see how it’ll look like.”
This is the opinion of Maria Eggers, a senior reporter for the Chief Advocate.
