BTS takes a break to work on solo projects

The South Korean band BTS, which has fueled the global K-pop craze, is taking a break as a group to work on solo projects.

RM, a band member who celebrated its founding at the group's annual Festa Dinner on Tuesday,

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said BTS needed to explore its own work without the consistent recording and performance it needed.

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"The problem with K-pop and the whole idol system is that they don't give you time to mature.

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You have to keep producing music and doing anything," RM sat down at a table with six of his fellow band members. Speaking in Korean.

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BTS launched in June 2013 and has become a global sensation with hilarious hits...

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and social campaigns aimed at empowering youth. The band released their new album Proof on Friday.

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Last year, BTS became the first Asian band to win Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards.

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The group met with US President Joe Biden at the White House in May to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians.

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