I Hope You Find your Piece of Peace

Surely by now if you’re BTS ARMY, or even a mildly interested person, you heard that BTS has decided to take an hiatus.  While many were shocked by the news, I can honestly say, I was not. Many things as of late, pointed in that direction for me, including the creation and distribution of an anthology album – Proof, and the non-announcement of a world tour, for a start. 

Was I sad?  Sure!  Did I shed a few tears watching the dinner video? Absolutely! However, while I felt a pang in my heart, I was relieved and happy for the seven men who have been bound at the hip for more than ten years. They are finally getting a chance to live a somewhat normal life, and able to explore what else that life has to offer. Each of them will be able to pursue what they yearn for, no matter the direction it takes. And as they reassured us, there will be more music in store for ARMY, but in the form of self-released albums from each. I don’t know about you, but that fills me with abject joy. Just imagine what’s in store for us. Think of the possibilities that lay ahead. I’m excited about the prospects.

Let’s look at them realistically and not through rose-colored glasses. While it may seem like such a glamorous life, realize that they are “on” 24/7. BTS is all over the news, on every social media venue, on TV and You Tube and… They never have a chance to be just Kim Nam joon, or Min Yoon gi. They’re always in the spotlight, even when they aren’t performing. That’s what it truly means to be an idol in 2022. There are no breaks, no privacy – their lives are ours. Stop and think about that. How would you handle the fame seven days a week, 365 days of the year for what must seem like an eternity?

From a very early age (and in the case of JK, age 15) they’ve been away from family and friends, all tossed together and living in a dorm. From day one, they were molded into idols every waking moment, with nothing but the highest of expectations from management and fans. They missed out on so many things that you and I accept as normal. Stop and think of your high school and college days. Theirs certainly were anything but normal. They were practicing day and night, not out dating and pursuing things that most young people take for granted. And now, they just want a chance to be their own men.

Minutes after watching the video, I talked it over with my husband in hushed tones and a few choked back tears. I was a bit emotional while I filled him in on the latest events. He wasn’t surprised by the news, either. “They’ve been together a long time. Many marriages don’t last nine years”, he stated. He and I both agreed that this would be healthy for each member, and give them opportunities they haven’t had during the last decade. 

Later while reading a DM on Twitter, one of my dear friends decided to start a Live Chat and invited me to participate. At first, I didn’t know if I’d be comfortable, but after sitting back and just listening, I felt the urge to express myself and turned on my mic. I’m glad I did because after more than two hours, I and several others had a great heart-to-heart and came away from the discussion feeling very positive. We all shared the same thoughts and feelings, and that came down to how important it was for BTS to have this much needed break. Hey, we admitted, we have plenty of Bangtan material to digest and keep us occupied. We still have their music, Run BTS episodes, practice videos, selfies, and well, you name it. That will always be available. It’s all there for the taking.

And while they are off on their hiatus and reflecting on life, I think it’s a good idea for ARMY to follow suit. It’s not the end of the world, but just another step into the unknown for them and for us. 

Jimin, I hope you find all your Filters. Hoseok, I hope you find your Piece of Peace. Taehyung, I hope you have many a Sweet Night. Namjoon and Yoongi, I hope you get all the Respect you deserve. Jin, I hope your desires take you all the way to the Moon and back. And Jungkook, may you find your Euphoria. 

We’ll be patiently awaiting your return. But until then…

Borahae BTS. Stay healthy, be happy and have fun exploring the world. You deserve every second.