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The Conversation
The Conversation
Politics
Sarah A. Son, Lecturer in Korean Studies, University of Sheffield

BTS take a break: world’s biggest K-pop group is caught between Korea’s soft power ambitions and national security

BTS National Security Beatles South Korea Yoon Sukyeol One Direction The Beatles
MediaPunch Inc/Alamy

The decision by K-pop sensations, BTS, to take a hiatus is breaking hearts globally. But, unlike the Beatles or One Direction, their decision is tied to Korean peninsula politics and the challenge of balancing national security and Korea’s soft power ambitions.

The seven members of BTS broke the news during their annual dinner, which was streamed live to fans worldwide on June 15, citing exhaustion and a desire to pursue solo projects. Some confusion arose afterwards when, in a bid to slow their tumbling stock price, the band’s entertainment company, Hybe, said BTS would continue to work both together and individually.

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