BTS’ Suga on going solo as a K-pop rapper and why individual success won’t come between bandmates – ‘We’re real brothers, period’

Ahead of his military service later this year, Suga has just completed the US leg of his sold-out tour, which comes on the back of his solo debut album, D-Day

The rapper, who also goes by Agust D, talks about the strong bond among the bandmates, who he sees as ‘family members’, during this difficult time for the group

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Suga of BTS. Despite the K-pop group going through a challenging period, the rapper insists there is a strong bond among his bandmates, who he sees as “family”. Photo: TNS

Published: 7:15pm, 18 May 2023

With six chart-topping Billboard albums and six No 1 singles on America’s Billboard Hot 100 chart, BTS are the most successful act in South Korean history.

But with their expected long pause for military service, their renewed focus on solo careers, and the existential crisis of K-pop in general, the future of the group is anything but certain.

Each of the band’s seven members is set to enlist for their mandatory 18-month stint in South Korea’s military at times depending on their respective birth dates.

Jin and J-Hope are currently serving, and in the meantime those not yet conscripted have the chance to reestablish themselves as solo acts.

(From left) BTS members Jungkook, V, Suga, Jin, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of music group BTS at the 62nd Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, in 2020. Photo: Getty Images

For the band’s label, Hybe – itself in the midst of a global acquisition spree – billions of dollars are on the line. The company’s chairman, Bang Si-hyuk, recently stated that there is no set date for BTS’ comeback, though he hopes they can return in 2025.