The reasons behind the success of the South Korean boy band BTS are numerous and difficult to list. One key factor that both the media and public opinion agree on is their strong group dynamic. The band has shown remarkable unity, even sharing a single official social media account for a long time.

However, military service has put a brake on the activities of the "7-member BTS." At the end of last year, with the enlistment of eldest member Jin, the other members began to embark on solo projects. Expectations were high for their individual achievements as solo artists.

The evaluations, however, are mixed. While the members continue to achieve impressive results in their main field of music, reactions to their individual appearances on television programs are varied.

#Music - They're Strong Soloists, Too!

After the group's hiatus last year, J-Hope and Jin had meaningful success in their solo activities. Following Jin's enlistment, three BTS members began their full-fledged solo careers. In December last year, RM released his solo debut album 'Indigo,' which reached number three on the US Billboard 200 chart. At the time, this was the highest ranking for a K-pop solo artist, surpassing the seventh-place record set by TWICE's Nayeon in July. Praise poured in for 'BTS as expected,' and Billboard reported that RM became the first BTS member to have an album in the top 10 of the Billboard 200.

This record was also broken by BTS. In April, member Jimin achieved a new record by reaching number two on the chart with his first solo album 'FACE.' Additionally, with the title track 'Like Crazy,' he topped the main singles chart 'Hot 100.' With this achievement, Jimin became the first K-pop artist to reach number one on the US Billboard chart both as a member of BTS and as a solo artist.

Suga continued this trend. According to a chart preview article posted on the Billboard website on May 1st, Suga's first solo album 'D-DAY' reached number two on the Billboard 200, tying with Jimin's record for the highest ranking by a K-pop solo artist. With the title track 'Haegeum' and collaborations with IU on 'People Pt.2,' along with other tracks like 'Polar Night' and 'Snooze,' expectations are high for good results on the 'Hot 100' chart as well.

Suga has been the most active BTS member in individual music activities, even adopting a solo stage name, Agust D. In 2020, he released a mixtape called 'D-2.' 'D-DAY' can be considered a continuation of that work and is his first official solo album in about three years, which makes it even more significant.

Additionally, BTS member Jungkook received global attention for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar official OST 'Dreamers.' Released on November 20th last year, 'Dreamers' reached number one on the iTunes 'Top Songs' chart in 102 countries and regions within a day. The song also debuted at number one on the Billboard 'World Digital Song Sales' and 'Digital Song Sales' charts and had a long run on the 'Global 200' and 'Global (excluding US)' charts.

A music industry insider said, "BTS has become more than just an idol group; they are now an icon, which means that even without group activities, individual members can exert considerable influence." They added, "In fact, by pursuing musical diversity outside of group activities, they are creating opportunities to attract new fans beyond their existing fandom."

#Broadcasting - Just 2% Short...

One of the content that contributed to BTS's strong fan base was "Run BTS!". This self-produced content, featuring the seven members playing various games and showcasing their friendship, became even more popular than most TV variety shows and built their own unique world.

However, now the doors of 'their own world' have opened, and the members are appearing in various programs. It was more than welcome for fans to see the faces of BTS members, who were rarely seen on TV, through various content. However, when looking at the results of their appearances alone, it leaves something to be desired compared to their musical achievements.

RM participated in tvN's variety show 'The Most Useless and Mysterious Human Trivia' (abbreviated as 'Alseul Injob'), which began broadcasting in December last year. The program, which he joined along with director Jang Hang-jun, novelist Kim Young-ha, and Dr. Kim Sang-wook, was about various trivia regarding humans. As the most eloquent and insightful member of BTS, expectations were high for RM's performance. However, the buzz didn't last. The show started with a national viewership rating of 3.5% but ended with 2.7%. Of course, the cause cannot be attributed solely to RM. However, considering his popularity and buzz, it's hard to see it as a satisfactory report card.

V participated in a program that emphasized his personal connections. In July last year, he joined the global OTT Disney Plus travel variety show 'In the Forest: Friendship Trip' with actor Park Seo-joon, Choi Woo-shik, Park Hyung-sik, and singer Peakboy, traveling to Gangwon-do. He later appeared in the tvN variety show 'Seo-jin's House'. In this program, Park Seo-joon and Choi Woo-shik also participated. It was an opportunity to see more of 'human Kim Tae-hyung' than V. In 'Seo-jin's House', V diligently did his part in the kitchen. However, the evaluations of his performance in the variety show are mixed. Along with the response that his presence alone brightened the program, there are also opinions that no noticeable activities were observed. 'Seo-jin's House' started with an 8.8% viewership rating, and the 10th episode broadcast on April 38th recorded 7.9%.

A broadcasting official said, "Strictly speaking, it's difficult to say that RM in 'Alseul Injob' and V in 'Seo-jin's House' stood out significantly in the programs. However, there is great significance in the fact that they took their first steps in solo activities after BTS's massive success," adding, "The media needs to analyze and evaluate this more objectively. More realistic criticism and advice should accompany their musical achievements, and the members should actively accept this to make better decisions for their next steps."

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