BTS, arguably the biggest pop group in the world, announced on Tuesday (June 14) that they are taking a break, causing millions of fans, aka the ARMY, to take a collective gasp. However, the break is for a good purpose. BTS’ plan is “not a ‘hiatus’” South Korean entertainment company HYBE clarified.

The group will still work on projects together, but will be working individually. “BTS are not taking a hiatus. Members will be focusing more on solo projects at this time,” HYBE said.

According to a statement from HYBE (via @AP), @BTS_twt’s solo projects plan is not a ‘hiatus’ as they will still be working on projects as a group, as well as individually. “BTS are not taking a hiatus. Members will be focusing more on solo projects at this time.” pic.twitter.com/CmkGvSCwpg

— BTS Charts & Translations (@charts_k) June 14, 2022

“We’ve talked among ourselves several times and we believe it’s good to take some time apart. I hope that people don’t think negatively about this step and that they see this is a healthy, important part of our plan that will let BTS grow stronger,” said J-Hope, one of the members.

BTS leader RM said, “I want to keep performing, but I feel like I’ve lost direction… I just want to take some time to think.” He explained that balancing between acting as a spokesman for the group and his own artistic work has been somewhat of a challenge.

He said, “After Butter and Permission To Dance, I didn’t know what kind of group we were in anymore. Whenever I write lyrics, it was important for me to give out a message, but that was gone now. I don’t know what kind of story we should tell now.”

It seems that J-Hope is already moving in that direction.

According to K-Media, #JHOPE of @BTS_twt will release his solo album in the middle of next month. The release will be an official album rather than a mixtape. J-Hope will also headline Lollapalooza in Chicago at the end of July, the first Korean artist to do so. pic.twitter.com/ApxX8uTsWw

— BTS Press⁷ (ia) (@BTSPressData) June 15, 2022

Fans all over the world are expressing support, and even respect, for the group.