One of the band members referred to the break as a “hiatus,” but a representative stated that they will “remain active in several different ways.” The South Korean boy band BTS has taken a sabbatical so that its members can pursue independent endeavors.

The news was made less than one week after the K-pop group’s current album, Proof was released.

During an annual banquet commemorating the band’s founding, rapper RM stated, “The issue with K-pop and the entire idol system is that they don’t give you enough time to mature.

“You must continue making music and doing something.”

According to a story in Deadline, the other band members have insisted that the group would not disband.

Rapper J-Hope stated, “We should spend some time apart to rediscover how to be one.”

“I hope you see this as a healthy strategy and not as anything unpleasant.

“BTS will get stronger in this manner.”

Jimin, the lead vocalist, stated, “Now we’re beginning to consider how we each want to be remembered by our fans.”

And rapper Suga said: “It’s not like we’re disbanding.”

An English translation of their statements indicated that one of the members referred to the break as a “hiatus,” although a spokeswoman for the band contested this interpretation.

The spokesman stated in a statement, “To be clear, they are not on sabbatical, but they will take some time to pursue independent projects at this time while remaining active in many genres.”

RM, Jimin, J-Hope, Suga, Jungkook, V, and Jin founded the group in 2010 and debuted three years later, becoming international superstars with songs including Dynamite, Boy With Luv, and Butter.

BTS was the first Asian band to win Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards, and in May they met with US President Joe Biden to discuss hate crimes against Asians.