"BTS will return refreshed and recharged to return all the love you have and continue to show them"
CNN reports that Kpop group BTS will be taking their first ever break from performing since their debut in 2013.
Big Hit Entertainment, BTS’s management company, made the announcement on their website.
“This will also provide them with a chance to enjoy the ordinary lives of young people in theirs 20s, albeit briefly,” the group said in an English version of their statement.
The company did not clarify exactly how long the hiatus will be but fans were asked to not disturb the group during their break.
“Should you have a chance encounter with a member of BTS while they are on vacation, we ask that you show consideration for their need to rest and enjoy their private time off,” the company wrote. “BTS will return refreshed and recharged to return all the love you have and continue to show them.”
BBC suggests that the hiatus could be linked to South Korea’s conscription law requiring males aged between 18 and 28 to serve two years of military service. However, occasionally exemptions can be made. Tottenham Hostpur forward Son Heung-min avoided conscription for his participation in South Korea winning the Asian Games football final.
BTS fans seemed to take the news well, stating that whilst the group will be missed, they undoubtedly deserved their break.
“Pls take care and stay safe,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “I’ll miss you lots, but this is what you deserve and need the most Love you with my whole heart P.S Leaving this here as a reminder we only got each other, and no matter what we’ll always love and protect you.#RestWellBTS #HappyVacationBTS”
“BTS thank you sm for all your working hard,” another tweeted. “You deserve take rest moments, you never stopped working for their dreams. now time to go on vacationdd spend private quite days BTS we love you , rest & sleep well. be healthy &happy#RestWellBTS [sic]”
Last month BTS fans expressed their outrage that the Kpop group were nominated for so few MTV Video Awards.
[공지] 방탄소년단 공식 장기 휴가 알림 (+ENG) pic.twitter.com/fV4Aw5UNY4
— BigHit Entertainment (@BigHitEnt) August 11, 2019
“For the first time since their debut”
BTS thank you sm for all your working hard
You deserve take rest moments, you never stopped working for their dreams
now time to go on vacationdd spend private quite daysBTS we love you , rest & sleep well
be healthy &happy#RestWellBTS pic.twitter.com/d3SdLaskUC— Yoonmin City (@YoonminLove14) August 11, 2019
Everyone stay safe and take care of yourself and your beloved ones. Don’t skip your meals and most importantly stay hydrated and in case no one told you today remember you’re unique, amazing, beautiful, worthy and loved be happy and healthy. Love you lots. Na night pic.twitter.com/1B5vca9Sy3
— Mai Winter Bear ️❄️ & BTS enthusiast (@MaijaKoko) August 13, 2019
I’m actually crying rn, out of joy and relief. This is what they deserve as world dominating artists and as human beings. Rest well!! #RestWellBTS #BTS pic.twitter.com/uXKmdXSQSg
— Still bangtan (@jiminilarity) August 11, 2019
bts waking up after their well deserved hiatus fully rested and happy ready to come back to break more records and deliver more unmatched content pic.twitter.com/O00AwOIP2F
— (@taegape_) August 11, 2019
the entire tl if bts does any kind of work before october #RestWellBTS #HappyVacationBTS pic.twitter.com/nPfMuFNv5e
— bette | stream forever rain u cowards (@betteddaenggtan) August 11, 2019