Seoul: At the height of their success, K-pop megastar BTS made an emotional announcement for fans: they were taking a break from the supergroup to focus on their solo career.
The blast's announcement late Tuesday sent shockwaves through Septet's global fanbase, and their label HYBE's share price plummeted, even as it pushed back, saying the bandmates were still a fan of the band. will work together
Take a look at the band's record-setting run to global superstardom:
- 2013 Debut -
On June 13, 2013, BTS debuted as a seven-member boy band.
The members – J-Hope, Jimin, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Suga and Wei – are selected through a combination of recruitment and audition, and undergo intensive training prior to the group's launch.
- 2017 American Success -
Already stars in their native South Korea, the band has carved out a niche for itself in the world's largest music market: the United States.
They became the first K-pop act to perform at the televised American Music Awards.
- 2018 Billboard Success -
In a vivid example of the band's growing appeal, BTS became the first K-pop group to top the US album charts.
In May 2018, the band led the Billboard 200 - which ranks albums by sales, downloads and streams - with their album "Love Use: Tear".
- United Nations -
As their cultural clout grows, BTS is invited to speak at the United Nations. They use the platform to tell the youth about themselves.
Addressing a packed hall at the launch of the UNICEF Youth Campaign, group leader RM urged youth to "just speak for yourself" regardless of their caste, gender or identity.
- 2019 UK Chart Success -
The band set another record, with "Map of the Soul: Persona" becoming the first Korean act to top the UK album charts.
The milestone comes ahead of the group's two sold-out shows at London's famous Wembley Stadium.
- first break -
After topping the charts in the US and UK, BTS took their first "long-term" break since their debut, citing the need to "recharge and refresh".
But the band is back within weeks, with a tour that includes a show in Saudi Arabia.
- 2020 Hot 100´ -
In September 2020, BTS became the first South Korean act to dominate the top US singles chart, with their English-language hit "Dynamite" going to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
BTS achieved this feat by beating American music giants including Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift to take home the Best Pop award at the MTV Video Music Awards.
The group repeatedly topped the US singles chart with other songs including "Butter" and "Dance Allowed".
- Grammy nominations -
BTS has become the first Korean to receive a Grammy nomination.
The group is nominated for Best Performance by a Pop Duo or Group for the English-language hit "Dynamite", but fails to win.
BTS is re-nominated in 2021, but after being disappointed, Suga says: "I am grateful that there are still obstacles and challenges that we can try to work to overcome."
- 2021 Artist of the Year -
BTS became the first Asian group to win Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards, the largest fan-voted awards show in the world.
The septet also took home the awards for Favorite Pop Duo or Group and Favorite Pop Song for their hit "Butter" at the Los Angeles spectacular ceremony.
The victory marks the band's ninth EMA.
- second break -
In December 2021, HYBE announced that BTS would take a "second official extended period of rest" to recharge and find new inspiration.
The band is increasingly performing again with a sold-out series of concerts in Seoul in March 2022, their first since the pandemic in their native land.
- 2022 White House -
In June 2022, BTS visits the White House for a meeting with US President Joe Biden.
The group uses travel to stem the rising anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States.
- A new interval? ,
BTS announced that they are taking a break from the group to focus on their solo career in emotional video appearances.
Speaking to fans in a YouTube video marking the band's ninth anniversary, the members say they are "tired" and need some time off.
Their label HYBE pushes back, saying that BTS will be doing "team and individual projects together".