After celebrating their ninth debut anniversary, BTS shocked the world when they suddenly announced their indefinite hiatus from group promotions. Since then, many have expressed their uncertainty about the group's future, which brought forth speculations about BTS disbanding and pending military enlistment. Recently, the Korea Singers Association president is drawing criticism for an issued statement asking the group to reconsider their hiatus.
Keep on reading to know more.
Korea Singers Association President Criticized for Asking BTS to Reconsider Group Hiatus
On June 22, the president of the Korea Singers Association, Lee Ja Yeon, issued an official statement that sought for K-Pop superstars BTS to reconsider their group hiatus.
According to Lee Ja Yeon, she expressed her concern regarding the "BTS Hallyu Wave" possibly diminishing during the group's hiatus and that the "heartbeat of Hallyu will cease" with their absence.
In her statement, she also notes that it would be "difficult for the 'Next BTS' to emerge any time soon," given that the group's success and impact over the years is not easy to replicate.
BTS
Lee Ja Yeon also mentioned how BTS' fandom ARMYs, which she described as "missionaries of Hallyu and Korean culture," will also "go away" along with the group, which she believes would pose a threat to South Korea's tourism.
Due to these reasons, Lee Ja Yeon pleads for BTS not to enter a hiatus and to reconsider their decision. She also calls for the change in special laws for mandatory military service, in which special consideration for athletes and those in the classical music and arts industries should also be extended to popular culture.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: BTS' Hiatus, Military Enlistment Opposed by Korea Singers Association President
Although well-meaning, Lee Ja Yeon's statement only brought heavy criticism, with netizens and fans stating that the Korea Singers Association president overstepped her boundaries and treated the group like a product. Especially as BTS has already done so much for South Korea, and this would be the first time in their nine-year career that they are taking an indefinite break.
BTS
In addition, many believe that her statement also disregards the success of other artists in the industry, who have also impacted K-Pop.
#BTSItsOkayToRest: ARMYs Show Support for Group's Hiatus
In light of Lee Ja Yeon's statement, ARMYs began trending "#BTSItsOkayToRest" to encourage the members to continue their hiatus.
Along with the hashtag, ARMYs also shared heartwarming messages to the group. ARMYs expressed their gratitude for BTS' continuous efforts to produce new music and content just for fans, and that they deserve their much-needed break.
BTS
One fan under the user @mygbebe said, "For almost a decade, you've kept running, responsible for a lot of changes internationally and opened a lot of doors that were once closed. Rest however you want and for how long you desire. People's approvals are no longer your problem nor concern."
Meanwhile, BTS recently released their anthology album "Proof" on June 10.
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Written by Robyn Joan
