PicoBlog

BTS leader RM often describes the seven-member megagroup using the metaphor of a boat: “The seven of us are on a boat, looking in different directions but going the same way,” he explained in the Break the Silence docuseries. He has returned to this analogy when emphasising the different tastes and ambitions of each of the members. 

While they were focused primarily on group activities, this notion felt somewhat intangible — the seven members, after all, were presenting a united front with group releases that worked towards what seemed to be their collective goals. But with BTS’ self-proclaimed Chapter Two, in which they’ve prioritised solo releases, it’s now clear exactly what RM was talking about, and just how different each of the member’s musical interests and desires are. 

For some groups, that might raise questions of sustainability — how can seven such different people continue to work together towards common goals if individually they are “looking in different directions”? But with BTS, it seems to be part of their magic — they’re able to come together to create a beautiful synergy, while also not only allowing each other the freedom to explore their solo ambitions, but fully supporting and encouraging it. That ultimately seems to be what Chapter Two is all about, and what will, as the members themselves have said repeatedly, only lead to a stronger, more dynamic group. 

With that in mind, let’s take a look at each member’s solo releases in the last 18 months, and what they reveal about them…

J-Hope was the first cab off the rank in terms of BTS’s official solo debuts. He had, of course, released some solo music — including mixtape Hope World — previously, but Chapter Two marked a whole new approach to these releases from the BTS members, their company and the industry. 

To me, Jack in the Box highlighted how brave J-Hope is. Not only for the fact he went first and bore all the expectations and pressure of that, but also because despite all that, he released an album that is experimental, creative, raw and deeply personal — not built for obvious chart success but to explore, express, and extend his artistry in new directions. 

On Jack in the Box and its singles ‘More’ and ‘Arson’, J-Hope leans into dark emotions and reflections. He’s angry, anxious, ambitious — but, crucially, never without hope. For anyone who was paying attention to his previous work, what J-Hope displays here wasn’t entirely new for him, but it nevertheless felt like a revelation.

When it came to promoting the work, from his release party to headlining Lollapalooza solo, J-Hope broke new ground for himself and his fellow members. Once again, he seemed brave, but also fierce and driven, with an impeccable attention to detail and an execution that more than delivered on his ambition to prove himself. 

Jin, the eldest member of BTS, entered his compulsory military enlistment quite early on in the group’s Chapter Two, and subsequently is the only member who is yet to release a full solo album. But he did release a single,‘The Astronaut’, before enlisting. 

‘The Astronaut’, a collaboration with Coldplay, is a farewell gift to fans — a comforting dedication to the joy Jin derives from his connection with them. It’s not the first time the vocalist has explored this relationship in his music — his solo song on BTS’ Map of the Soul: Persona, ‘Moon’, also mines this topic, complete with an astronomical theme. 

‘The Astronaut’, then, is an extension of this and showcases what fans know and love about Jin — his warmth, his open affection, the wholesome connections he builds with others (not just fans, but also his own personal heroes), and his relentless dedication to making other people smile. Not to mention his heartfelt songwriting and sublime vocals. All of this was particularly evident in the live performance Jin did of ‘The Astronaut’ — travelling 40 hours to appear at Coldplay’s Argentina concert. Just for one song. 

It’s Jin all over. And it’s just a taste of what he’s capable of — which he’ll no doubt fully unleash once he finishes his enlistment in 2024. 

RM is the introspective overthinker of the group; he’s also an incredible lyricist and thoughtful storyteller, always seeking to learn about himself and grow through his music while also connecting with others by sharing his personal stories. This was all evident on his first two major solo releases, his mixtapes RM and Mono, and it is more clear than ever on his first official solo album, Indigo.

Indigo characteristically explores existential feelings about life, love, loneliness, art, and fame. With this album, RM wasn’t afraid to experiment, and he infused it with his obsession with art, even to the point of styling himself not just as artist but also curator — inviting some of his own favourite musicians to feature on eight of the 10 tracks. An unexpected choice for his first solo offering, perhaps, but one that made it all the more richer — especially in his choice of more senior female artists like Erykah Badu, Youjeen, and Park Jiyoon. 

The album packaging, music videos for title track ’Wildflower’ and follow-up ’Still Life’, and performances all reflected the intimate and artistic mood of RM’s intent and his music, offering a cohesive narrative and a firm statement about where he was in his life and career at the time. Challenging, creative, thoughtful, and comforting — just like RM himself. 

Out of all the BTS members, I felt like I knew least what to expect from Jimin’s solo endeavors. Outside of his work with BTS, he had released a couple of unofficial solo tracks, namely ‘Promise’ and ‘Christmas Love’, which were wonderful, but didn’t give a lot of insight into what he might do with a whole album. He’d also, perhaps, been slightly more reserved than the others when talking about his individual musical ambitions and interests.

What I wasn’t expecting was something so unbelievably personal from Jimin; an exploration of what seemed to be a real relationship breakdown and a dark period of his life during the pandemic. I was fascinated by what he revealed, and also blown away by the execution — musically and narratively, FACE tells a story that flows naturally and cohesively, showcasing Jimin’s perfectionism and artistry. Title track ‘Like Crazy’ is perhaps my fave track out of all the BTS solo releases — it’s a stunning pop song.

The music itself and the promotion schedule leaned more into the K-Pop model than Jimin’s fellow members had  before him, allowing him to excel on his own within his comfort zone. But importantly, he also pushed out of it, promoting in the US, including on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. 

Overall, FACE and its release highlighted Jimin’s charm, creativity, and drive. While I hadn’t known what to expect and was surprised by some aspects of it, afterwards I had a sense that I shouldn’t have been at all — because of course, this is Jimin. And he’s incredible. 

Suga’s mixtape before this official release, D-2, dropped under the pseudonym Agust D, remains one of my favourite albums of all time. Needless to say, I had huge expectations for Suga’s proper solo debut, and D-DAYcertainly met them (so much that I travelled over eight hours to watch it live… three times). 

Like Suga’s previous work, D-DAY explores deep and dark themes, with a particular focus on mental health. It’s both astonishingly personal and alarmingly relatable; like Suga himself, his music offers incisive commentary, wise advice, and compassion for both himself and others. And he does it all with impressive rap and addictive beats, not to mention cinematic visuals like those in the music video for title track ‘Haegeum’and its follow-up‘Amygdala’.  

And then, of course, there was his world tour. So far he’s the only BTS member to embark on a solo tour, paving the way for them all in the quiet but powerful way he does, and highlighting just how crucial performing and connecting live with fans is for himself and fans alike. The production, narrative, and performances of the tour were the culmination of the years Suga has put into developing himself and his art, providing an exhilarating and cathartic experience for all. 

V’s solo releases outside of BTS during Chapter One, such as ‘Winter Bear’ and ‘Sweet Night’ tended to be lullaby-like and dreamy, while he personally showed an affinity for jazz music, romantic stories, retro aesthetics, and visual storytelling and art. 

His debut album, Layover, encapsulates all of these sensibilities. With music videos for all five songs that tell a quirky story that is simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic, the music itself is chill and sensual, highlighting V’s unique, evocative vocal abilities while unfolding a narrative of romance and yearning. 

It’s another release without an obvious TikTok-bait lead single, instead offering something unique and different that suits V perfectly. His promotions for the album tended toward the intimate, and, as with his Vicnic fanmeeting, placed an emphasis on connecting with fans — a reminder that this is the same member who used to spend hours a day online gaming and chatting with ARMY. 

Last but not least to make his solo debut is the youngest member of BTS, the “golden maknae” Jungkook. The title of his albumGoldentakes inspiration from his famous nickname, although the music itself isn’t especially personal — it’s classic pop fare exploring a universal story of love, sex, and heartache. 

But with that material, Jungkook is able to achieve what he set out to do: challenge himself creatively in terms of his vocals and performance, and appeal directly to the Western pop industry and audience, establishing himself as THE global pop boy of the moment. He’s singing the hell out of these songs, both on the recording and most especially live, in stages both internationally and in Korea that of course, come with dazzling choreography which Jungkook pulls off in a way only he can. 

It’s no coincidence that Jungkook’s album is the only BTS solo release that is completely in English. He’s long been loud about his love for Justin Bieber and pop music generally, and the fact this album saw him working closely with Scooter Braun, Bieber’s former manager, suggests that with it he’s cemented a pop star status baby Jungkook dreamed of. And he’s only just getting started; there’s no doubt the ongoing promotions will be splashy and excellent, connecting with the broad general audience Jungkook is going for — while still finding time to get close to ARMY, of course.

Seventeenth Heaven by Seventeen: The latest album from the ever-rising boy group features eight tracks including title track ‘God of Music’, a jubilant celebration of music and its function as a universal language, as well as some absolute b-side bangers.

‘Gum’ by Jessi: Jessi’s first single since leaving label P Nation for More Vision exemplifies who she is as an artist: bright, energetic, and brash in an infectious way. It’s catchy and fun. 

“Perfect Night” by Le Sserafim: Le Sserafim’s first English single is also a collaboration with game Overwatch 2. I have to admit I know nothing about the latter, but I do know the song is a frothy, light bop that’s hard to resist. 

‘Talk Saxy’ by Riize: Although I don’t love the title or chorus of this song, the verses are catchy as hell and the beat is addictive fun. 

Guilty by Taemin: With his rich vocals, layered storytelling, stunning visuals, and mesmerising movements, Taemin is one of the most distinctive and electrifying artists in K-Pop right now (or ever). This six-track album, which includes title track “Guilty”, puts all of this on full display and highlights his continued excellence.

With love,

Jenna

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