Article: BTS announce sudden "hiatus" of activities... ARMYs and shareholders in panic
Source: News1
BTS' sudden "hiatus" is causing panic and shock in the industry.
On the 14th, BTS confessed that they've become "machines" and announced suspension of group activities. Following the announcement, Big Hit's parent company HYBE's stock price plummeted 30% to 133,500 won from the previous day. As of 10:34 am on the same day, the stock price had already plunged over 26.42% (52,000 won).
In the video shared through YouTube, RM revealed that "they had planned for a world tour after concluding 'ON' promotions however those plans were shattered due to corona. Because of this, they opted to release a single instead but after further consideration, decided to halt team activities."
Jimin also stated, "We're trying to find our identity. It's a difficult and long process."
Regarding this, Big Hit told News1, "It's an announcement to suspend group activities and focus on solo schedules. They plan on being active as a group in the future."
BTS hiatus announcement also received a lot of attention from major foreign media outlets around the world including BBC and caused shock among fans. Some fans expressed support for the members solo schedules however other fans responded in anger writing, "It's seriously difficult to understand why they're halting group promotions. So why did you release new song yesterday?"
Other fans in online communities expressed concern stating that "the group already had fixed period of promotions and inactivity so declaring a "hiatus" might be an unofficial disbandment of the group." Other fans predicted that the group halted activities to focus on mandatory "military enlistment."
BTS' sudden hiatus is also expected to have a significant impact on HYBE's sales and profitability. Lee Ki-hoon, a researcher at Hana Financial Investments revealed that their "vacation period" is expected to cause decrease in sales revenue of over 500 billion won from albums and tours and indirect sales of merch etc. for a total loss of 750 billion won through 2023 that will also hit profits.
Also, it isn't just one or two investors sharing complaints over BTS activities. Last December, Jin, RM, and J-hope sold their total 10 billion won stake in HYBE causing the stock price to plummet. At that time, HYBE CEO Yoon also sold his stake in the company.
Rumors that the company has reached its "peak" are pouring out as more investors share frustrations, resentment and suspicions of BTS in online forums asking, "Is this why you sold stocks?!"
- [+255, -42] Something smells fishy..
- [+140, -6] To announce a new song just last week and then suspend group activities all of a suddenㅋㅋㅋ... it's a bit strange for sure. There's definitely something going on in the back.
- [+116, -7] They chose to become idols to make a living but now that they have to solve the military issue they want to live their own lives ~
- [+98, -16] It's amazing that BTS made it this far in 9 years without taking a break. It was great they were able to meet fans often but I think they're burnt out. Rest well and come back with good music.
- [+81, -11] Looks like their ticket to military exemption disappearedㅋㅋ
- [+37, -5] But they brushed it off beforehand.
- [+25, -1] "ARMY and shareholders are both in panics"... Ah this gijanim has good sense of titlesㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
- [+20, -1] Even if you're at the top, no one knows what the future holds. I think it's good that they're choosing to look back during their best times.
- [+19, -5] Eh, I could care less if they disband or not..
- [+11, -6] They tried to avoid enlisting but that didn't go well so they stopped promotions and caused stocks to plummet. Aigoo-ya, are they using their brains?
- [+7, -2] Well, if they were denied exemptions, they would have to enlist this year, probably why they halted promotions.
- [+5, -0] Stop fighting with the public and go to the military!