Why Did BTS Consider Breaking Up in 2018?
Groups often come and go in music industries around the world. BTS has managed to stay together for an impressive seven years, but not many people are aware that the group almost disbanded at the five-year mark in 2018. So why exactly did BTS consider disbandment at that time?
BTS revealed they considered breaking up in 2018
In 2018, BTS’s popularity was picking up quickly around the world. They began to win prizes at American award shows and were invited on to many American TV programs.
However, at the end of 2018, BTS revealed that they almost disbanded earlier in the year.
“I remember early this year. We were mentally struggling at the beginning of the year,” Jin said during an acceptance speech at the Mnet Asian Music Awards, according to Elite Daily. “While talking amongst ourselves, we even considered disbanding. I think it’s so fortunate that we got ourselves together and was able to bring good outcomes. I want to thank my members who helped me get myself together and the ARMYs who love us.”
The other members were clearly affected by what Jin said—most notably, V could be seen crying. Many fans recognized that BTS was still emotional thinking about what they went through.
Why exactly did BTS think about breaking up?
In the first episode of BTS’s 2020 docu-series Break the Silence, the members talked more in-depth about why they considered disbandment.
Suga revealed that the group had a “hard start” in 2018, and it made them question whether being in BTS was worth it anymore.
“I think it’s because things got really hard at the start of the year,” he shared, according to Koreaboo. “There were a lot of things to think about at the time, and there was a lot of doubt about this work. That was on all our minds that year since this job constantly demands that you be on a roller coaster ride. It turned out to be a year where we could reflect on ourselves. That’s what I think.”
Meanwhile, J-Hope admitted that BTS’s newfound international fame brought them a lot of stress. He said, “In 2018, I think a lot of unexpected things happened that year. Honestly, it felt a bit scary because we never expected so many things that came our way, and we were actually doing them.”
Fortunately for many fans, BTS managed to get out of their temporary rut and found ways to keep going.
BTS would have disbanded in 2020 had they not renewed their contracts
BTS debuted in 2013 with seven-year contracts—which is standard in K-pop. This means that they were initially due to disband in 2020. However, it seems that after the group decided to not disband in 2018, the members renewed their contracts to remain together until 2026.
In June 2020, when BTS celebrated their 7th anniversary, Jimin noted in a live stream that they would have had to go their separate ways had they not renewed their contracts.
“Thank you for allowing us to celebrate our 7th anniversary,” he told fans. “We were all shaking hands and hugging each other. If we hadn’t re-signed our contracts… we wouldn’t have been able to see each other.”
