What BTS Members Did During Their Hiatus

In June 2022, global K-pop phenomenon BTS announced a pause in group activities, a decision that marked the beginning of an unusually long hiatus for one of the world’s most influential music acts. Nearly four years later, the seven-member group—RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, V and Jungkook—has confirmed its long-awaited return to collective music-making. Far from being a period of inactivity, the hiatus became a transformative chapter defined by solo artistry, international recognition and the completion of South Korea’s mandatory military service.

The hiatus followed the release of BTS’s first anthology album, Proof, in June 2022. Within days, the group explained that stepping back from collective work would allow each member to explore personal musical identities and mature as individual artists. What followed was an unprecedented run of solo releases that broadened BTS’s creative footprint far beyond its established sound.

J-Hope led the way in July 2022 with Jack in the Box, his first full-length solo album. The project showcased a darker, more experimental style and was soon followed by a historic appearance at Lollapalooza, where he became the first Korean artist to headline the festival’s main stage. In October, Jin released the emotive single The Astronaut, highlighting his vocal warmth and introspective tone.

December 2022 marked a pivotal moment as Jin became the first BTS member to enlist for compulsory military service. At the same time, leader RM unveiled Indigo, a critically acclaimed solo album blending hip-hop, alternative sounds and philosophical reflection. Throughout 2023, momentum continued: Jimin released his debut EP Face in March, Suga followed with D-Day in April, V offered the jazz-inflected Layover in September, and Jungkook closed the year with Golden, an album aimed squarely at the global pop market.

Military service gradually became a shared responsibility. J-Hope enlisted in April 2023, while Suga, RM, V, Jimin and Jungkook followed in December. Even so, creative output did not stall. In 2024, J-Hope released the special album Hope on the Street Volume One, RM returned with Right Place, Wrong Person, and Jimin unveiled his second EP Muse. Jin completed his service in June 2024, followed by J-Hope in October, and later that year Jin released his first solo EP, Happy.

By 2025, the focus shifted from individual exploration to reunion. J-Hope launched his first solo world tour in February and released Mona Lisa in March. Jin followed with Echo in May and began his own world tour, RunSeokjin, in June, the same month all remaining members completed military service. Between August and November, BTS confirmed preparations for new group music, completing recording sessions by the end of the year.

In January 2026, BTS officially announced its return, revealing plans for a full studio album scheduled for release on 20 March—closing a defining chapter and opening a new era.

Key Milestones During the BTS Hiatus :

The hiatus ultimately strengthened BTS’s collective identity, proving that individual growth and group unity can coexist on a global stage.