K-pop sensation BTS on June 14 in a video announces a break from group activity nine years after their debut. (Screen capture from BTS' official YouTube channel Bangtan TV)

By Kim Hayeon 

K-pop supergroup BTS will take a break from activities as a group.

The music sensation on June 14 posted a video on its official YouTube channel Bangtan TV and said, "Even if we pause, get lax and rest, we must for the sake of more time in the future."

The group is not breaking up but taking a break. Debuting on June 13, 2013, BTS is instead closing the first chapter of its nine-year career while at the top of its game.

In the video, members gathered in a comfortable meal environment with wine and freely shared their concerns over the past nine years.

They said the decision to take a temporary break was for their individual growth.

Leader RM said, "K-pop and the idol system allow no time for people to mature," adding, "You don't have time to grow because you continually have to film this or do that."

"I'm a different person than I was 10 years ago," he said. "I need to contemplate and spend time alone to progress, but couldn't because of the grueling schedule of BTS over the past 10 years."

"At a time when we're in our prime, I think we should function in some way in the world, but I've had no time to think about it," he added. "At some point, I didn't know what our team was anymore. I didn't know where I and the team should go."

Suga complained of artist's block, saying, "The lyrics are just not coming out," adding, "At times, I was just squeezing out lyrics. I really have nothing to say now. I don't know what to say."

BTS, however, ruled out a breakup.

Focused on solo projects, the group will continue filming its YouTube variety show "Run BTS."

"In our solo albums, BTS members should discuss the major changes they've undergone," J-Hope said. "It's important for BTS to start its second chapter."

"I want to do BTS for a long time. For this, I have to stay who I am," RM said, "Though we cannot dance as well as in the past, I want BTS and RM to remain."

The group's management agency Big Hit Music on June 15 said, "BTS will start a new chapter with solo and group projects."

"Each member will take this time to mature through a variety of new activities, and this is expected to serve as nourishment for the team's long run as BTS," he added. "As the group's label, we will actively support them."

hayeounk8@korea.kr