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In the world of K-pop, BTS is a name that needs no introduction. The iconic boy band has been making waves in the music industry for years. And now, each of the seven members has embarked on their solo journeys, giving ARMYs even more reasons to celebrate.
Here’s a quick recap of their recent solo releases:
Table of Contents
J-Hope
Jeong Ho-seok (정호석), also known as Jung Ho-seok or J-Hope of BTS kicked things off with his debut album “Jack in the Box,” released on July 15, 2022, setting the stage for the others to follow.
“Jack in the Box” contains a total of 10 tracks, including the two main tracks, “MORE” and “Arson,” which conveys the album’s core message and central themes. The album is a concept album that draws inspiration from the Greek myth of Pandora’s box. The album commences with an “Intro” featuring a narration of the Pandora’s box story, which is the origin of J-Hope’s stage name.
The album also draws inspiration from J-Hope’s personal growth, artistic evolution, and his desire to explore new facets of his identity and creativity. It serves as a platform for him to express a darker and more introspective side of himself while continuing to evolve as an artist.
Some tracks on the album, such as “Pandora’s Box,” delve into the responsibilities and identity of being an idol and a public figure. J-Hope explores the weight of his responsibilities to his fans and questions his own perspectives.
The song “MORE” reflects his passion, ambition, and determination to show personal growth and make a mark in the world. It explores themes of taking risks and having a vital recklessness in pursuing one’s dreams.
J-Hope ‘MORE’ Official Music Video from ‘Jack in the Box’ Album 2022 | HYBE LABELS
J-Hope ‘방화 (Arson)’ Official Music Video from ‘Jack in the Box’ Album 2022 | HYBE LABELS
‘Jack in the Box’ Tracklist
- Intro
- Pandora’s Box
- More
- STOP (세상에 나쁜 사람은 없다)
- = (Equal Sign)
- Music Box : Reflection
- What If…
- Safety Zone
- Future
- 방화 (Arson)
J-HOPE ‘Jack In The Box’ Album Playlist | LINGOMAE K-POP
| LISTEN “JACK IN THE BOX” PLAYLIST
Jin
‘The Astronaut’
Kim Seok-jin (김석진), also known as Jin of BTS gave us “The Astronaut,” as his debut solo single, on October 28, 2022, a heartfelt farewell gift before his military enlistment. The song was a collaboration between Jin and Coldplay, with both artists listed as co-writers.
The central theme of the “The Astronaut” revolves around Jin’s profound connection with his dedicated fanbase, exploring the ideas of love and connection while incorporating a recurring cosmic theme.
In the accompanying music video, Jin portrays an alien astronaut who crash-lands on Earth, facing a crucial decision between staying with his newfound human family or returning to his home planet.
Globally, the single performed exceptionally well on the Billboard Global 200, debuting at number 10, and showcased a strong international presence on various music charts. This success marked a significant milestone in Jin’s solo career, solidifying his position as a globally recognized artist.
진 (Jin) ‘The Astronaut’ Official Music Video | HYBE LABELS
RM
Kim Nam-jun (김남준), also known as Kim Nam-joon or RM of BTS, dropped his debut solo album, “Indigo,” on December 2, 2022, showcasing his lyrical prowess and distinct style.
“Indigo” is a reflection of RM’s journey through his 20s as a person and artist. The album consists of 10 tracks and features several guest artists, including Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Tablo of Epik High, Kim Sa-wol, Paul Blanco, Mahalia, Colde, Youjeen of Cherry Filter, and Park Ji-yoon.
RM played a pivotal role in the album’s creation, from songwriting to developing the album’s concept, designing the album art, and overseeing the production of the music video, making it a deeply personal and artistic endeavor.
The lead single from the album is “Wild Flower,” a collaboration with Youjeen, which was released with an accompanying music video.
RM ‘Wild Flower’ (with Youjeen) Official Music Video | HYBE LABELS
RM ‘Still Life (with Anderson .Paak)’ Official Music Video | HYBE LABELS
‘Indigo’ Tracklist
- Yun ft. Erykah Badu
- Still Life ft. Anderson .Paak
- All Day ft. Tablo
- (건망증) Forgetful ft. Kim Sawol (김사월)
- Closer ft. Mahalia & Paul Blanco
- Change pt.2
- Lonely
- Hectic Ft. Colde
- (들꽃놀이) Wild Flower Ft. Youjeen (유진)
- No.2 Ft. Park Ji Yoon (박지윤)
RM ‘Indigo’ Album Playlist | LINGOMAE K-POP
| LISTEN “INDIGO” PLAYLIST
Jimin
Bak Ji-min (박지민) also known as, Park Ji-min or Jimin of BTS, tugged at our heartstrings with his debut album “FACE,” released on March 24, 2023, proving he’s not just a phenomenal dancer but an incredible vocalist.
FACE was heavily inspired by the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Jimin as a person and performer. It explores themes of solitude, inner self-discovery, and the quest for personal freedom.
Two singles were launched to support the album, “Set Me Free Pt. 2,” and “Like Crazy” which became a chart-topping US Billboard Hot 100 single.
FACE achieved remarkable sales milestones within its domestic market. It shattered records by selling over 1 million copies on its opening day and exceeded 1.45 million sales during its first week. This marked Jimin as the first solo artist in Hanteo Chart history to accomplish such a feat.
The album comprises six tracks, with Jimin credited as a co-writer on five of them. BTS bandmate RM is also credited on three tracks, including “Face-Off” and both the Korean and English versions of “Like Crazy.”
지민 (Jimin) ‘Set Me Free Pt.2’ Official Music Video | HYBE LABELS
지민 (Jimin) ‘Like Crazy’ Official Music Video | HYBE LABELS
‘FACE’ Tracklist
JIMIN ‘Face’ Album Playlist | LINGOMAE K-POP
| LISTEN “FACE” PLAYLIST
Agust D
Min Yun-gi (민윤기), also known as Min Yoon-gi, Agust D or SUGA of BTS, launched “D-DAY” on April 21, 2023, and then hit the road for a solo tour that left fans electrified.
“D-DAY” forms the concluding part of a trilogy that includes SUGA’s earlier mixtapes: “Agust D” in 2016 and “D-2” in 2020. Consisting of 10 tracks, the album features collaborations with various artists, such as J-Hope from BTS, IU, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Woosung of The Rose.
“D-DAY” delves into profound themes of liberation and freedom. Agust D explores what it means to break free from specific emotions and not allow the past or future to dictate one’s life. He ponders whether these concepts can be perceived as blessings or curses.
SUGA played an integral role in the creation of “D-DAY.” He actively participated in writing all the songs and oversaw the overall production of the album. This demonstrates his significant creative input and artistic control, making “D-Day” a deeply personal and artistically driven project.
In preparation for the album’s launch, two singles were released: “People Pt. 2” featuring IU, released on April 7, 2023, and “Haegeum,” released simultaneously with the album. Additionally, a third video was also produced for the track “Amygdala,” and released on April 24, 2023.
Agust D ‘People Pt.2 (feat. IU)’ Official Music Video | HYBE LABELS
Agust D ‘Haegeum’ Official Music Video | HYBE LABELS
‘D-DAY’ Tracklist
- D-Day
- 해금 (Haegeum)
- HUH?! ft. J-hope
- AMYGDALA
- SDL
- 사람 (People) Pt.2 ft IU
- Polar Night (극야)
- Interlude : Dawn
- Snooze ft. 坂本龍 (Ryuichi Sakamoto) & WOOSUNG (김우성) of The Rose
- Life Goes On
AGUST D ‘D-Day’ Album Playlist | LINGOMAE K-POP
| LISTEN “D-DAY” PLAYLIST
Jung Kook
Jeon Jeong-guk (전정국), also known as Jeon Jung-kook, Jung Kook or Jungkook of BTS, teamed up with American rapper Latto and Korean actress Han So-hee for the chart-topping single “SEVEN,” released on July 14, 2023, demonstrating his versatility.
“SEVEN” is a romantic UK garage pop song expressing the desire to spend time with one’s lover. It’s part of Jungkook’s upcoming debut studio album “Golden,” scheduled for release on November 3, 2023.
The track made an impressive debut by reaching the number one spot on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200 charts in the United States, marking the first chart-topping success for both Jungkook and Latto.
In the UK, “SEVEN” entered at number three on the UK Singles Chart, setting a new record as the highest-debuting single by a solo Korean artist. Additionally, “Seven” achieved top-ten positions in several other countries, including South Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Lithuania, New Zealand, and Switzerland.
Jungkook’s other single, “3D,” featuring American rapper Jack Harlow released on September 29, 2023. The song is also part of Jungkook’s upcoming debut album “Golden.”
“3D” achieved significant success by reaching the top five on the UK Singles Chart and securing top-ten positions in Japan, Australia, Lithuania, Ireland, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Netherlands, Sweden, and South Korea. These achievements underscore Jungkook’s growing prominence on the international music scene.”
정국 (Jung Kook) ‘Seven (feat. Latto)’ Official Music Video | HYBE LABELS
정국 (Jung Kook) ‘3D (feat. Jack Harlow)’ Official Music Video | HYBE LABELS
‘Golden’ Tracklist
| LISTEN “GOLDEN” PLAYLIST
V
Kim Tae-hyeong (김태형), also known as Kim Tae-hyung, Taehyung or V of BTS, rounded up the solo journey with “Layover,” released on September 8, 2023, leaving us all in awe of his artistic prowess.
“Layover” includes 5 tracks, “Slow Dancing,” “Rainy Days,” “Love Me Again,” “Blue,” “For Us,” and a bonus track, “Slow Dancing” (Piano Ver.).
The EP blends pop, R&B, and jazz, led by V’s soulful vocals. “Rainy Days” is described as alternative pop and R&B, while “Blue” is a classic R&B track. “Love Me Again” explores themes of longing and the challenges of moving on after a heartbreak, and “Slow Dancing” has a 1970s romantic soul sound. “For Us” stands out with its production and pitch-shifted vocals.
V expressed his desire to deliver box sets of the album to his fans with “lots of love”, and he did indeed fulfill this commitment.
V ‘Love Me Again’ Official Music Video | HYBE LABELS
V ‘Slow Dancing’ Official Music Video | HYBE LABELS
‘Layover’ Tracklist
V ‘Layover’ Album Playlist | LINGOMAE K-POP
| LISTEN “LAYOVER” PLAYLIST
Conclusion
These 7 solo projects released through Big Hit Music, not only showcase the immense talent of each member of BTS but also their willingness to explore new horizons.
It’s a testament to their artistry and dedication to their craft. BTS and their ARMY are in for an exciting ride, both as a group and as individuals.
Which solo project has been your favorite so far? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
