In a unique twist of fate, BTS, the globally acclaimed K-pop sensation, continues to dominate the music scene despite six of its seven members currently fulfilling mandatory military service in South Korea.
The group's influence remains palpable as several members have been dropping solo projects that resonate deeply with their loyal fanbase.
짧은 머리의 모습 ☺ pic.twitter.com/7oHT50Vamq
— 𝖺𝗀𝗎𝗌𝗍𝖽 (@BTS_twt_AGSTD) June 17, 2024
RM, J-Hope, and V are among those who have kept the BTS spirit alive through their individual musical endeavors. RM's "Right Place, Wrong Person" album, J-Hope's "HOPE on the Street" album, and V's poignant song "FRI(END)S" have all struck a chord with listeners worldwide.
Billboard has named #RM's 'Right Place, Wrong Person' as one of the best albums this year! 💪🔥👑💙#rightplacewrongperson #Billboard pic.twitter.com/2Inj8eYOoD
— World Music Awards (@WORLDMUSICAWARD) June 19, 2024
j-hope's "HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1" extends his record as the longest charting album by an Asian Soloist on Greece's Albums Chart. (8 weeks) 🇬🇷 pic.twitter.com/vituAlZe9W
— neva play🥢 (@agustdsb1tch) June 19, 2024
#V's "FRI(END)S" Official MV has surpassed 38,000,000 views on YouTube!🔥
— Daniela 🥢🛵LAYOVER ANNIVERSARY 🏍️ (@Daniela78068905) June 12, 2024
pic.twitter.com/rJVsZMpxMm
These releases have not only maintained BTS's momentum but also sparked enthusiasm among ARMYs, the devoted fan community of BTS.
However, amidst the celebration of their music, criticism has surfaced regarding the fairness of BTS's ongoing chart success.
Bro???💀 pic.twitter.com/9mW50Sfl3Q
— mae (@cryoverjeon) June 18, 2024
Some netizens argue that other K-pop groups are being overshadowed, claiming they are not getting adequate exposure while BTS members continue to dominate the charts remotely.
Oh wait! My fave could’ve ACTUALLY pre-record things if they wanted it - THEN WHY THIS FANDOM was dragging them to the point that a complaint was filed against TOP who pre-recorded “Flower Road” and SM took down Baekhyun’s pre-recorded YT content to “protect the idol” 💀
— G-Dragon of EXO (@SUJI96808) June 15, 2024
Before… https://t.co/Rm3oBkNMgy pic.twitter.com/aj99O6hoee
READ MORE: BTS' BT21 Under Fire for Unexpected NewJeans Endorsement
Fans, commonly known as ARMYs, have swiftly come to BTS's defense, highlighting a crucial nuance in the K-pop industry's regulations.
They are so bitter and mad that BTS keeps releasing music while being in the military because kpoppies can't grasp the fact that musicians can release music made before the military while being in the army and the govt won't get money out of it LMAO pic.twitter.com/PcLrUbvDdl
— s∞so⁷ ♡ MUSE (@sophsbts) June 19, 2024
Idols are permitted to release music during military service if the material was prepared prior to enlistment.
This clarification aims to redirect criticism away from BTS members themselves and towards management agencies that may not have adequately prepared for their artists' military hiatus.
This is a person who has been taught that when others succeed, it prevents others from doing so and they are probably guilted and gaslit into holding themselves back for others. Thats a pretty deep rooted mindset. Perhaps therapy is in order but not bts responsibility. It’s also…
— 🐈AgustGee3275 𝐍𝔢𝓿𝔞 p𝕝Δ𝕪 🕹️⁷ NormalBoys🤨 (@AgustGee3275) June 19, 2024
As anticipation builds for the next solo release, Jimin is slated to drop his second solo album titled "MUSE" on July 19th.
This announcement has further ignited excitement within the BTS fanbase, setting expectations high for another chart-topping success.
지민 (Jimin) 'MUSE'
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) June 17, 2024
2024.07.19. 1PM (KST) | 0AM (ET)#지민 #Jimin #Jimin_MUSE pic.twitter.com/2lat4svLXq
Despite the ongoing debate, BTS's ability to maintain relevance and captivate audiences worldwide from military service underscores their unprecedented impact on global pop culture.
Whether through group efforts or individual projects, BTS continues to redefine the boundaries of success in the music industry, even while physically apart.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Cassidy Jones.