BTS stars shine brighter as solo artists

K-pop boy group BTS / Courtesy of BigHit Music

By Hong Hye-min

It’s been a year since BTS went on hiatus, with full-group activities being put on hold after several members of the group answered the draft call from the Korean military. However, BTS remains a global sensation despite the extended pause, with each of its members enjoying a new renaissance as successful solo artists.

BTS members each released one solo album after another starting last year after spending nearly a decade together as a group. Given BTS’ global stature and influence, their solo endeavors were almost certain to achieve a guaranteed level of success from the very start.

But their achievements as solo artists far exceeded the already-high expectations set by their fans and wider music audience, smashing K-pop records and barnstorming both Korean and international music charts in the process.

Jimin and Jungkook, for instance, topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 while V’s recent solo album “Layover” became the fastest-selling record in K-pop history by shipping more than 2 million copies in the first week alone. Other BTS members also enjoyed similar levels of success as solo artists that rivaled that of their achievements as a group.

It’s easy to conclude that their accomplishments were made possible by feeding off the BTS name, but their solo careers have been a showcase of their individual musical styles and messaging that have been unique to each member. They have transcended the perceived limitations of being an idol group member and undergone remarkable personal growth as independent artists of their own.

J-Hope was the first BTS member to embark on a solo career. Courtesy of Mnet

J-Hope was the first BTS member to release a solo album, in July last year. Titled “Jack in the Box,” it is a complex album featuring J-Hope’s distinctively positive energy as well as dialogue with his innermost demons and anxieties.

The album was rooted in hip-hop influences, yet also contained many experimental elements, showing both his passion to create new music and candor in laying bare the struggles he faced while growing as an artist, a side of him that was never before revealed as a BTS member.

J-Hope also helped design the album concept and was involved in many aspects of its production to ensure that his finished album wouldn’t just be an auditory experience, but a visual one as well.

RM released his first solo album “Indigo” last December. Courtesy of Big Hit Music

RM on the other hand is regarded as a poetic and emotionally rich lyricist, which were on full display in his first solo album “Indigo.” The album had the feel of a personal diary for RM to express his inner thoughts and reflections, taking a more philosophical direction compared to the typical BTS album. It also featured collaborations with an eclectic group of artists including Cho Yoo-jin, Tablo, Kim Sawol, Park Ji-yoon and Colde, creating a rich and well-rounded album.

RM is also known to be an avid art collector and enthusiast, and incorporated the work of the late artist Yun Hyong-keun into his album cover, while also paying homage to the artist in the album’s intro track, eponymously titled “Yoon.”

Suga’s world tour ran from April to August this year. Courtesy of Bit Hit Music

Suga meanwhile explored his thoughts and feelings about the human condition, culminating in his solo album “D-Day.” While RM expressed his struggles and introspections by using lyrics as a vehicle, Suga substituted poetry for explosive energy.

The blunt and explicit lyrics surprised many fans who were used to the more elegant lyrics that are typical of BTS, while the thumping beats and rhythmic verses allowed listeners to fully appreciate Suga’s prowess as a rapper first and foremost.

Jin’s debut single “The Astronaut” was released last October. Captured from YouTube

Other BTS members are better known for their vocals, including Jin who created a dreamy atmosphere in his debut single “The Astronaut” with a pleasing voice that has become his trademark, thriving in the freedom to showcase his full range and talent as a vocalist.

Jimin’s album “Face” was released in March this year. Courtesy of Big Hit Music

Jimin’s first solo album “Face” was a demonstration of both his exceptional performances on stage and his vocal skills, while offering a glimpse into his inner world over the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. He openly talks about his struggles with loneliness and searching for meaning in his life behind all the glamour. Jimin also took active part in every step of the album’s planning and production process to infuse his own musical colors into the final product, characterized by his signature falsetto vocals and the breaking of gender norms.

Jungkook’s debut single “Seven” was released in July. Courtesy of ABC

Jungkook showed limitless potential in his vocal and performance skills when he released the single “Seven” in July, combining an addictive hook with sensual lyrics that sets it apart from BTS’ existing music. Jungkook eschews the rigid sequence of choreography used by BTS in favor of a more “natural” performance, which complements his powerful vocals to prove his talent and worth as a solo artist.

V’s first album “Layover” was released on Sept. 8. Courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment

V, noted for his rich voice that is both deep and resonant, was the last member of BTS to launch a solo career. Instead of overpowering the listener by blasting off high notes, V’s music is on the more delicate and natural side, firmly positioning himself as a pop R&B vocalist.

Hong Hye-min (hhm@hankookilbo.com) is a reporter at The Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times. This article, previously published in The Hankook Ilbo, has been translated as part of a news-sharing program.