BTS Chapter 2: What the Members of the World’s Biggest Boy Band Have Been Up to

Following the release of their first anthology album, Proof, BTS announced each member would be focusing on solo projects to show fans a more intimate side of their characters and what they have to offer individually. Termed ‘BTS Chapter 2,’ the members embarked upon new adventures as they celebrated the group's ninth anniversary on July 9.

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Sharing the news with their fans, the ARMY, during their annual Festa dinner, emotions were evident. The members were candid about the new direction in which BTS was heading. They spoke candidly about how their growth as individuals impacted their desire to explore uncharted paths. During the dinner, RM, the leader of the group summed things up, stating “I feel lost. After releasing Butter and Permission to Dance, I started feeling like I didn’t know what kind of a band we are anymore. What kind of music do we want to make? What do we want to say? I believe we should have taken this break long ago, but we kept putting it off.”

While many believed BTS’ Chapter 2 meant that the group was saying goodbye, that report was quickly put to rest as the members clarified this new season was all about finding themselves as individuals while still remaining together as a group and pursuing group projects. Jimin put the transition into perspective saying, “I think now we’ve finally come to think about what kind of artists we each want to be remembered as by our fans. I think that’s why we’re going through a rough patch right now. We’re trying to find our identity and that’s an exhausting and long process.”

Nonetheless, the ARMY has vowed to travel the journey with BTS, and the process has already begun with fans receiving an abundant stream of surprises as they witness different sides of each member and their respective projects. So, what have RM, V, Jimin, J-Hope, Jin, Jungkook, and Suga all been up to? Let’s find out!

RM - Kim Namjoon

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With a highly anticipated mixtape on the way, RM has set a standard of intrigue that continues to surround his career. The leader of the 7-member boy band has been showcasing different sides of himself, literally, as he recently engaged in a pictorial project involving all the members. His concept titled ‘Entirety’ displays his many dimensions as an individual and artist. ‘Entirety’ portrays RM’s love for nature, reading, and what some would term “the little things in life.” On the topic of music, he recently joined musical forces with the Korean band, Balming Tiger for a hip-hop track titled Sexy Nukim.

V - Kim Taehyung

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BTS Chapter 2 sees Taehyung exploring his talent on-screen in a different capacity, although one he’s no stranger to. On July 22, HYBE premiered its reality TV show, In the Soop: Friendcation, starring Taehyung, Park Seo-joon, Choi Woo-shik, Park Hyung-sik, and Peakboy as they set out on a spontaneous four-day trip.

When he’s not charming our TV screens, he’s turning heads in other ways. In July, Taehyung impressed the ARMY yet again with his impeccable style—clad in a black top, black leather pants, and a red bomber jacket—as he attended the Celine men’s fashion show in Paris. Fans are also anticipating the release of his album. KTH1, as he calls it, is expected to be diverse and the smooth-tone singer plans to make it available by the end of the year.

Jimin - Park Jimin

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Jimin has remained active on social media but there has not been news as of yet about his upcoming plans. In the meantime, Jimin has been a very supportive friend and bandmate as he cheers on J-Hope’s solo project. He flew to Chicago all the way from South Korea to watch J-Hope’s Lollapalooza set as a headlining artist. He continues to share photos of himself enjoying the company of his bandmates and communicates with his fans on Weverse. One thing’s for sure is that Mochi, as he is sometimes affectionately called, is working on new music. He made the declaration during the BTS Festa dinner earlier this year.

J-Hope - Jung Ho-seok

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Since the temporary break was announced, J-Hope became the first of the septet to begin releasing music. His debut solo album, Jack in the Box was released on July 15, with the lead single MORE showing fans a brand new side of Hobi. The rapper and dancer is well known for his bright and cheerful demeanor which often translates through his music. This time, the darker side of his persona was introduced through the 10-track project and the ARMY embraced it happily, but J-Hope’s reign didn’t end there. On July 31, he made history as the first South Korean artist to headline the main stage at a major music festival in the United States when he performed at Lollapalooza.

Jin - Kim Seok-jin

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Jin, the eldest member of the group, is also working on new songs but he is in no rush to release them. Many believe his focus is set on the actualization of his longtime dream of becoming an actor. Recently, South Korean actor, producer, and director Kim Nam Gil hinted that the two would be working alongside each other. When fans sought clarity from Jin on social media, his response definitely increased speculations. He shared on Weverse, “I’m working hard preparing for my main job as well so everyone, please just wait a little bit.”

Jungkook - Jeon Jungkook

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Adding his own touch to BTS Chapter 2, Jungkook teamed up yet again with Charlie Puth for the single, Left and Right. Released on June 24, Left and Right is described as a “breezy, sentimental,” “bubbly pop tune” about the overwhelming emotions felt when pining over a past relationship. It marks the second time Puth and Jungkook have collaborated musically together. Their first collaboration was at the Genie Music Awards in 2018 where they performed Puth’s hit single We Don’t Talk Anymore in South Korea.

Suga - Min Yoongi

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Suga has spent his time evolving in multiple areas of his life since BTS went on ‘break.’ He has continued to produce music but has also been learning Pilates and strengthening his English and Japanese language skills. His latest work is an all-new interpretation of Samsung’s “Over the Horizon.” According to the electronics corporation, “SUGA has put an upbeat, positive new spin on the signature musical theme,” with the goal of “encouraging people to look forward to a bright future and think about what excitement is waiting over the horizon.”