The bombshell announcement late last night sent shockwaves through the septet’s global fanbase, and caused the share price of their label HYBE to plunge, even as it pushed back, saying the bandmates would still work together.
AFP takes a look back at the band’s record-setting run to global superstardom.
2013 debut
On June 13, 2013, BTS debuted as a seven-member boy band. The members – J-Hope, Jimin, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Suga and V – were selected through a combination of recruitment and auditions, and underwent intensive training before the group’s launch.
2017 US breakthrough
Already stars in their native South Korea, BTS set its sights on the world’s largest music market: the United States. It became the first K-pop act to perform on the televised American Music Awards (AMA).
2018 Billboard success
In a vivid illustration of the band’s growing appeal, BTS became the first K-pop group to top the US album charts. In May 2018, the band led the Billboard 200 – which rank albums via sales, downloads and streams – with the album “Love Yourself: Tear”.
United Nations
As their cultural clout grew, the bandmates were invited to speak at the United Nations, and used the platform to tell young people to be themselves.
Addressing a packed hall at the launch of a Unicef youth campaign, group leader RM urged youths to “just speak yourself” regardless of their race, gender or identity.
2019 UK chart success
The band set another record, becoming the first Korean act to top Britain’s album chart with “Map of the Soul: Persona”. The milestone came ahead of the group’s two sold-out shows at London’s Wembley Stadium.
First break
After topping charts in the US and Britain, BTS took its first “long-term” break, citing a need to “recharge and refresh”. But the band was back within weeks with a tour that included a show in Saudi Arabia.
2020 ‘Hot 100’
In September 2020, BTS became the first South Korean act to dominate the top US singles chart, with its English-language hit “Dynamite” going to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The achievement came hours after it beat American musical heavyweights including Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift to score the Best Pop award at MTV Video Music Awards.
The group went on to top the US singles chart repeatedly with other songs including “Butter” and “Permission to Dance”.
Grammy nominations
BTS became the first Koreans to receive a Grammy nomination, for best performance by a pop duo or group for the English-language hit “Dynamite”, but failed to win.
BTS was nominated again in 2021, but after being disappointed, Suga said: “I’m thankful there are still barriers and challenges we can try to work to overcome.”
2021 Artist of the Year
BTS became the first Asian group to win Artist of the Year at the AMA, the world’s largest fan-voted awards show. The septet also scooped awards for Favourite Pop Duo or Group and Favourite Pop Song for their hit “Butter” at the glitzy ceremony in Los Angeles.
The win marked the band’s ninth AMA.
Second break
In December, HYBE announced that BTS would take a “second official extended period of rest” to recharge and seek fresh inspiration. But the band would quickly perform again, with a sold-out series of concerts in Seoul in March this year – the first post-pandemic performances in their native land.
2022 White House
Earlier this month, BTS visited the White House for a meeting with president Joe Biden. The group used the trip to call out growing anti-Asian hate crimes in the US.
A new hiatus?
In an emotional video appearance, the bandmates announced they’re taking a break from the group to focus on their solo careers.
Speaking to fans in a YouTube video marking the band’s ninth anniversary, they said they are “exhausted” and needed time apart.
Their label HYBE pushed back, saying BTS would be doing “team and individual projects simultaneously”.