When BTS announced their temporary group hiatus to complete military service, many fans wondered how they would get through the wait. What you quickly discovered was that this period became one of the most creative eras for the members as individual artists. Between 2022 and 2025, each member showed you a deeper side of their personality through solo albums, singles, and collaborations that proved their artistry goes far beyond group performances.
During this time, you saw emotional ballads, powerful rap tracks, experimental pop songs, and deeply personal lyrics. These releases helped you stay connected to BTS even while the members were serving. Some songs comforted you, some motivated you, and others simply reminded you why you became a fan in the first place.
If you want to revisit the most meaningful solo songs from this period, here are ten of the best BTS solo releases that defined the military hiatus era.
1. Like Crazy (Jimin)
If you want a song that perfectly shows emotional vulnerability mixed with pop perfection, “Like Crazy” stands out immediately. This track allowed you to see Jimin express fear of loneliness while trying to hold onto fleeting happiness. The dreamy synth sound and soft vocals create an atmosphere that pulls you into his emotional world. What makes this song special is how relatable it feels. Even if you are not experiencing fame or pressure, you can still understand the fear of losing comfort and stability. Jimin’s performance showed his growth as a solo artist and proved he could carry a global hit on his own. The song also demonstrated his confidence as a storyteller, which made many fans even more excited about his future work.
2. Seven (Jungkook)
“Seven” showed you a completely new side of Jungkook as he stepped fully into global pop stardom. With its catchy rhythm and confident vocals, the song highlighted his versatility and ability to appeal to a wide audience. What made this release memorable was how natural he looked as a solo performer. You could see his years of experience shine through every note. The song also demonstrated his willingness to experiment with a more mature sound while still keeping his signature charm. Many fans appreciated how he balanced commercial appeal with strong vocal delivery. This track proved that Jungkook is not only the golden maknae of BTS but also a powerful solo force in the global music industry.
3. Standing Next to You (Jungkook)
Another standout Jungkook release, “Standing Next to You,” gave you a retro pop experience inspired by classic performance artists. The strong instrumentals and bold vocals showed a different level of confidence compared to his earlier work. Watching this era unfold, you could clearly see how much he had grown as a performer. The choreography, styling, and vocal control all showed his dedication to becoming a complete artist. The song also carried a timeless quality, making it feel both modern and nostalgic at the same time. This track helped confirm what many fans already believed. Jungkook is one of the strongest all-around performers of his generation.
4. Wild Flower (RM)
If you appreciate meaningful lyrics and deep reflection, “Wild Flower” is one of the most important songs from this period. RM used this track to talk about fame, identity, and the pressure of expectations. Instead of chasing loud attention, he described his wish to live like a quiet wild flower. The message may have resonated with you if you have ever felt overwhelmed by your own responsibilities. RM’s thoughtful writing and calm delivery made this song feel like a personal conversation. It showed his strength as a lyricist and his honesty as a person. For many fans, this track became a source of comfort during uncertain times.
5. Haegeum (SUGA) (Agust D)
“Haegeum” allowed you to see SUGA return to his Agust D identity with a powerful message about freedom and control. The song mixed traditional Korean sounds with modern hip hop, creating a unique listening experience. As you listened, you could feel the intensity of his delivery and the seriousness of his message. He questioned what freedom really means and whether people are truly free from expectations and systems. This track stood out because of its bold production and fearless storytelling. SUGA once again proved that he is not afraid to challenge listeners and explore difficult ideas through music.
6. On the Street (J-Hope)
“On the Street” felt like a heartfelt goodbye message before J-Hope began his military service. The song has a warm and hopeful feeling that reminds you to appreciate your journey and the people who support you. His collaboration added another layer of emotion, but the focus remained on his sincerity. As you listened, you could feel how much he values his fans and his path as an artist. The gentle beat and positive message made it a song you could return to whenever you needed motivation. J-Hope showed that even simple songs can carry powerful meaning when they come from genuine emotion.
7. Slow Dancing (V)
V surprised many listeners with “Slow Dancing,” a song that highlighted his love for jazz-inspired pop and relaxed melodies. Instead of chasing trends, he chose a style that felt natural to him. This made the song feel authentic and refreshing. As you listened, you might have noticed how calm and peaceful the track feels compared to typical pop songs. His deep voice matched perfectly with the soft instrumentals, creating a comforting listening experience. This release showed his artistic confidence and his willingness to follow his own taste rather than expectations. It also proved that quiet songs can sometimes leave the strongest impression.
8. Love Me Again (V)
Another memorable V solo release, “Love Me Again,” gave you a strong R&B performance filled with emotion. The song focused on longing and regret, themes that V expressed through his unique vocal tone. His voice carried the sadness of the lyrics in a way that felt very natural. As a listener, you could easily connect to the emotional atmosphere of the track. Many fans appreciated how this song showed his ability to carry a classic R&B style while still sounding modern. This track helped establish his identity as a solo artist with a very clear musical direction.
9. The Astronaut (Jin)
“The Astronaut” became an emotional moment for many fans because it was released around the time Jin began his military service. The song felt like a gift to fans, expressing gratitude and connection. Its soft rock sound gave it a nostalgic feeling that made the message even more touching. As you listened, it may have felt like Jin was personally thanking you for your support. The sincerity of his vocals and the warmth of the melody made this song unforgettable. For many fans, it became a reminder that BTS would return stronger after completing their service.
10. Fri(end)s (V)
“Fri(end)s” showed V exploring pop with a playful but meaningful concept about friendship and relationships. The song had a lighter tone compared to some of his other solo work, showing his range as an artist. As you listened, you could appreciate how easily he moves between emotional ballads and more upbeat songs. This versatility is one of his greatest strengths. The track also demonstrated his ability to create songs that feel personal while still being accessible to a wide audience. It was another reminder that each BTS member has their own unique musical identity.
Conclusion
The military hiatus from 2022 to 2025 could have been a quiet period for BTS, but instead, it became a time of artistic growth and exploration. Through these solo releases, you were able to see each member develop their own voice, style, and message. Some songs showed vulnerability, others showed strength, and many showed both at the same time. This era helped you understand that BTS is not just powerful as a group but also as seven individual artists. These songs helped keep the connection between BTS and their fans strong during a time of physical distance. As you look back at this period, it becomes clear that the hiatus was not a pause in their story. It was an important chapter that made their future reunion even more meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did BTS release so many solo songs during the military hiatus?
During the military hiatus, the members focused on individual projects to show their personal musical styles. This allowed them to grow as artists while keeping fans engaged. Solo releases also gave each member the chance to explore genres and themes that may not always fit group releases.
Which BTS member had the most successful solo song during this period?
Success can be measured in many ways, such as charts, streams, and fan impact. Several members achieved major milestones with their solo songs. Jungkook, Jimin, and RM all saw strong global responses, but every member found success in their own unique way.
Did the BTS members write their own solo songs?
Many BTS members actively participated in writing and producing their solo music. RM, SUGA, and J-Hope are especially known for their songwriting involvement, but all members contributed creatively to their projects. This is one reason their solo music feels very personal.
Are these solo songs connected to the BTS group’s music?
While the songs are individual releases, they still reflect the values BTS often shares, such as honesty, growth, and connection. You may notice similar emotional themes even though the musical styles may be very different from typical BTS group songs.
Which solo album from this period is the most emotional?
This depends on personal taste, but many fans consider RM’s and Jimin’s projects especially emotional due to their deep themes. Jin’s farewell song also carried strong emotional meaning because of its timing before his military enlistment.
Did these solo songs perform well on global charts?
Yes, many of these songs achieved strong international results. Several tracks entered major global charts and gained millions of streams. This proved that BTS members can succeed individually as well as together.
Will BTS continue solo work after military service?
It is very likely that the members will continue balancing group and solo activities. Their solo success showed that they can maintain individual careers while still being part of BTS. Fans can probably expect both group music and personal projects in the future.
Which song is best for new BTS listeners?
If you are new, songs like “Seven” or “Like Crazy” are easy entry points because of their strong pop sound. If you prefer deeper messages, RM or SUGA tracks may be a good starting point. It depends on what style you enjoy most.
Why do fans consider this era important?
This era showed how each member matured as an artist. You were able to see their individual strengths more clearly. It also showed their dedication to music even during a period when group promotions were limited.
What makes BTS’s solo music different from their group music?
Solo music allows each member to focus fully on their personal taste. This leads to more variety in genres and storytelling. While BTS group songs often carry a shared message, solo songs feel more like personal diaries expressed through music.
