It was reported that all BTS members were able to attend RM and V's enlistment ceremonies today, December 11. Jin, J-hope and Suga used a vacation day to attend.
NME lists Agust D's D-Day as #38 in its Best Albums of the Year 2023.
“Future’s gonna be OK,” Agust D – aka BTS rapper Suga – declared in the opening line of ‘D-Day’. The fiery album wrapped up his trilogy of solo releases with more sharp, thought-provoking societal observations and reflections on his own life, but with room for a new sense of peace, acceptance and hope. That it was all set to hard-hitting hip-hop and featured starry collabs with BTS’ J-Hope, late Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and more only made ‘D-Day’ more spectacular.
The visualizer (pretty much an MV, just with less production values) for Jungkook's Hate You is on Youtube. ARMYs will not be able to resist this sad-eyed maknae.
UPROXX lists Jungkook's Golden in its Best Albums of 2023.
BTS’ Jung Kook has shown himself to be a pop sensation both within the group and as a solo act. His debut solo album, Golden, served as a gift to fans, as it arrived weeks before Jung Kook began the process of enlisting in the Korean military. He’ll be away until 2025, but songs like the romantic “Standing Next To You,” the sexy, rhythmic “3D,” and the gut-wrenching ballad “Hate You” will certainly hold as timeless classics. But they also set the stage for him to continue his world takeover upon his return.
BTS Maknaes did their final live before enlisting, on Dec. 5. Jungkook already shaved his head, but refused to show it until the end of the live, when he ran very quickly in front of the camera.
Popcrush lists D-Day, FACE and Golden in its Best Pop Albums list of 2023 (in alphabetical order).
D-Day, Agust D
To many, Agust D is best known as Suga — the pensive and producing powerhouse of BTS who doesn't necessarily like to dance. However, he shows ARMY and just about everyone else that he can do so much more than craft a catchy pop song with D-Day, an amalgamation of his growth as an artist, songwriter and producer that captures his journey into adulthood. While two previous mixtapes, Agust D and D-2, expressed his insecurities, Agust D shares his thoughts about life and views on the world on D-Day. "Haegeum" digs deep into society's need to consume endless digital media, while the artist processes trauma and moves past it in "Amygdala." Though rooted in hip-hop, Agust D shows his sonic range and musical genius by bringing on late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto on the hypnotizing, yet soothing track, "Snooze." Whether you know him as Suga, Agust D or Yoon-gi, this young artist is a musical renaissance man, and D-Day is his opus — at least, for now.
Face, Jimin
BTS’ Jimin’s first solo album opens with the distinctive sound of circus horns. It’s fittingly reminiscent of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, considering Jimin is a member of another culture-shifting, globally conquering music group. What follows on FACE is an alluring look into the inner world of a pop icon known for his silky singing voice and graceful — and often sensual — dancing. The album takes twists and turns that somehow work well together, including pieces of Jimin’s world such as a crowd of ARMYs cheering, as well as audio of himself running. On the glittery, ‘80s-esque synth-pop single “Like Crazy,” he takes inspiration from the 2011 romance movie of the same title, which he told Rolling Stone expresses “exactly what he wanted to say.” Meanwhile, the sonically experimental pre-release track “Set Me Free Pt.2” showcases a Jimin whose solo artistry takes center stage as he details his journey from K-pop trainee to global superstar, and all that comes with the spotlight.
Golden, Jungkook
Known for his smooth vocals and charming stage presence, the youngest member of BTS has cemented his status as a 2020s pop icon in the absence of a major male music star. With Justin Bieber in his healing era and Harry Styles on a break after his extensive world tour, Jungkook is here to take over with his glossy, retro-infused pop debut. He brings ‘00s Jesse McCartney energy as he croons to a crush on standout track “Yes or No,” while single “Standing Next to You” is a funky disco-tinged jam that sees JK effortlessly perform Michael Jackson-esque choreography via its sultry music video. His vocal versatility is made apparent throughout the album as he sails through notes high and low; and delivers both bangers and ballads, such as tender album closer “Shot Glass of Tears” and “Hate You,” which was co-written by fellow pop singer Shawn Mendes. Jungkook most definitely puts the “golden” in his “Golden Maknae” nickname.
Timeout.com (UK) ranks V's Layover album as #19 in The 30 Best Albums of the Year (2023).
"Out of the seven members of Korean super band BTS, V was the last to release his solo music – the artist has admitted to binning several works-in-progress – but boy, was the wait worth it. His debut six-track EP lends his husky, sweet baritone to jazz-leaning R&B tunes with a clear nostalgic influence. Personal favourites? ‘Slow Dancing’, a soulful track that glides as beautifully as its eponymous activity; and ‘For Us’, with its intriguing key change midway through. If you like modern jazz singer Laufey, or even the neo soul legend Maxwell, no doubt you’ll enjoy V’s work too."
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