What Happened to BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan)?

BTS, the globally renowned K-pop phenomenon, entered a new chapter in June 2022, announcing a temporary hiatus from full group activities to focus on solo endeavors and fulfill South Korea's mandatory military service. This decision, initially met with some fan anxiety about potential disbandment, was clarified as "Chapter 2," a period for individual growth intended to strengthen the group's long-term future. The members emphasized that this was not a disbandment but a time for self-discovery and solo artistic expression.

During this hiatus, each member launched successful solo careers, releasing albums, singles, and embarking on tours that showcased their unique musical styles. J-Hope was the first to release his solo album, "Jack in the Box," in July 2022, followed by Jin's single "The Astronaut" in October 2022 and RM's debut solo album "Indigo" in December 2022. Jimin released his first solo EP "Face" in March 2023, Suga released "D-Day" in April 2023, V released "Layover" in 2023, and Jungkook released "Golden" in 2023. These solo ventures not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved significant commercial success, with Jimin and Jungkook notably topping the Billboard Hot 100 as soloists. This period demonstrated the individual artistic prowess of each member and expanded BTS's global influence beyond group releases.

A significant turning point was the staggered enlistment of all seven members into the South Korean military, a mandatory service for able-bodied men. Jin, the oldest, enlisted in December 2022, followed by J-Hope in April 2023, and Suga in September 2023 (serving as a social service agent due to a prior shoulder injury). RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook all enlisted in December 2023. Throughout their service, members took on various roles, from military band and special forces to assistant training instructors and cooks, often receiving commendations for their performance.

The military service period concluded by June 2025, with Jin being discharged in June 2024, J-Hope in October 2024, RM and V in June 2025, Jimin and Jungkook in June 2025, and Suga in June 2025. This marked the official return of all members to civilian life, paving the way for their highly anticipated group reunion.

As of May 2026, BTS has officially reunited. They released their fifth full-length group album, "Arirang," on March 20, 2026, which spawned their seventh US number-one single, "Swim". The group also commenced a massive "ARIRANG" World Tour in April 2026, with dates scheduled across five continents, including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, extending into 2027. This comeback is considered a "defining moment in pop culture" and is expected to generate over $1 billion in revenue. The "The City ARIRANG" project is also underway, with events in various cities, including Busan, to coincide with their tour dates.