BTS once told ARMYs about a magical place, a place where all their answers could be found. No matter who they were, where they were, or what they were going through, all they had to do was look to the galaxy within their hearts and minds, and they would be alright.
For millions of fans, the seven members of BTS are their magical place – the place that they go to in times of need. Whether fans are feeling weary, anxious, sad, or unloved; whether they are feeling carefree, full of energy, happy or loved, there is a place for them beside BTS. Sometimes, it takes a whole lifetime to get there and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes they stay and never want to leave, other times it’s a short stopover on the way to somewhere else. Whether it was planned or spontaneous, a gentle glide or a crash landing, having a place within BTS’ hearts and a place beside them as they have journeyed this past decade has been a valued experience for all involved.
Now, in 2023, each of the members are off exploring on their own, making new memories, and traversing new musical landscapes as solo artists. Let’s look at some of the spaces and places that each of the members have explored thus far.
First up is our astronaut Jin who recently completed his five-week basic training and received his confirmed placement as an assistant instructor in the Korean military. According to Korea Now (an English speaking YouTube channel of Yonhap News Agency), “a teaching assistant’s role is to command and teach new trainees” and to help them with any struggles they might have while settling into the new environment – a role that Jin is well suited to considering his experience as the eldest member of BTS and his naturally caring personality. It is no secret that fans were openly concerned about Jin’s enlistment, especially as it was in the middle of winter AND at the frontline, but now it is evident that wherever Jin is serving, he will do well for himself.
Now as we continue in fanchant order, we have RM who recently concluded his co-MC role with tvN network’s variety show “The Dictionary of Useless Human Knowledge.” Interesting to note that when this show first aired in 2017, many doubted that it would survive past its first season, yet it did. Another point of interest is that RM mentioned back in 2018 that he’d like to appear on this show and fans are very grateful that he finally received that opportunity. Sitting amongst other intellectuals discussing various topics ranging from humanities to science, RM was definitely in his element. Obviously there are many other places that have a special place in RM’s heart – such as museums, art galleries, parks, and mountains. The depth and breadth of his knowledge base is amplified by his presence in all of these spaces and places.
SUGA recently graced our screens as the newest global brand ambassador for Valentino. Acknowledged by Valentino himself for his “authenticity, creativity, and empathy” (and of course his natural beauty), the young boy from Daegu who only wanted to produce music is now making new memories for himself amidst the finest in the fashion industry. While the setting may be different, SUGA is well accustomed to being in the limelight so this latest venture is one more step that he has chosen to take in the development of his solo career. Whether he’s producing in the studio, performing on stage, hosting his own variety web series, or walking the red carpet at a prestigious fashion event, SUGA is a natural.
J-hope’s solo career has had an explosive launch with his studio album Jack in the Box, making history at Lollapalooza, and rocking New Year’s Eve in Times Square, New York. He has represented both himself as a solo artist and BTS as a group at recent music award shows and took the red carpet by storm at Louis Vuitton’s Paris Fashion Show Week.
J-hope has such a warm and vibrant personality yet in his solo work we see him exploring the darker aspects of himself through his music and especially his upcoming “All New Hope” Photo Folio. In fact, fans were highly anticipating this event as his concept seems to have taken the other BTS members by surprise. Judging by his stunning photos, this reveal was well worth the wait and now we know why the members were so shocked!
Now that the hyung line is covered, we start the maknae line with Jimin whose beautiful aesthetics and natural beauty have once again proven to be hugely influential. Following his reveal as Dior’s newest global brand ambassador and his presence at Dior’s show during Paris Fashion Week, it’s not surprising that there was a visible impact on Dior’s stocks or that he was highlighted as the biggest influencer during Men’s Paris Fashion Week. To see Jimin on the red carpet or the cover of W Korea Magazine has been such a treat for his many fans. Just as exciting has been his collaboration with his long time idol, Taeyang of BIGBANG. Behind-the-scene videos show how happy Jimin has been to perform alongside Taeyang – definitely one of the most special places that Jimin could be right now.
Recently, V popped up in a poster teaser showing that he will be appearing in tvN’s new variety show with his Wooga squad friends, Park Seo-joon and Choi Woo-shik. Titled “Seojin’s,” the first episode, which will air February 24, was filmed on location in Mexico. Whenever V is with his Wooga friends, fans know he is having fun and in the best company. Funnily, Weverse is also a place where V goes to talk to fans and have fun. Recently he treated fans to a surprise livestream and although it was brief, it was appreciated by all who joined. Let’s not forget though how comfortable V looked on the red carpet at last year’s Celine Fashion Show in Paris.
This brings us to the maknae Jung Kook who for the most part has been missing from our screens. During V’s recent livestream, he shared that JK is well and that they sometimes play games together online. When JK flew to Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, fans were ecstatic to see JK back on stage again performing at the opening ceremony. While there have been several unofficial sightings of JK shared on social media, from an official perspective, there is definitely a drought in place when it comes to him. That might explain the sudden frenzy that occurred on social media recently when it became known that the Executive Vice President and Global Creative Head of Calvin Klein had followed JK on Instagram. We know ARMYs’ hearts and minds were in a state of nervous excitement at the prospect of a collaboration or project featuring JK, however nothing official has been announced.
Imagine then how happy (and relieved) fans were to finally receive Jung Kook’s surprise "Knock Knock" post, heralding what would end up being a four-hour-long live stream, with JK jumping between Weverse and Instagram. Titled “잘 지내셨습니까” (How have you been), JK treated fans to karaoke and some precious moments with his Doberman 밤 while he chatted, chilled, danced a little, took viewers on a tattoo tour, and enjoyed his 맥주 (beer).
The BTS members may all be living in their own homes now and pursuing their individual projects as part of their solo career development, or in Jin’s case – fulfilling his military duties, but BTS remains seven, whether they are together or apart. In this second chapter of their lives they may all be walking different paths, but fans can rest assured that wherever they are, it's where they want to be and need to be.
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Written By: Mama
Edited By: Aury
