Significance Behind Each BTS Member’s Solo Album, Including BTS Merchandise

View each BTS member’s solo efforts to learn about their artistic identities and BTS merchandise.

1. Indigo by RM (December 2, 2022)

The album’s boom bap and classic funk sound makes even the uptempo raps feel thoughtful, supporting RM’s description of it as a “sun-bleached record faded like old jeans.” The album contains Erykah Badu, Anderson.Paak, Tablo, Kim Sa-wol, Colde, Youjeen, Park Ji-yoon, Paul Blanco, and Mahalia. “Wild Flower” with Youjeen peaked at 83 on the Hot 100. RM’s daring lines about society and personal experiences stand out.

RM chose interviews with people he liked and conducted a tiny concert for 200 fans instead of a tour, performing at NPR’s Tiny Desk and an Upstate New York art institution. “Indigo” sounds different from RM’s previous mixtapes, however it includes BTS music co-written by RM, like “Hold Me Tight” and “Embarrassed.” RM admits to remain seek for his signature style, saying “Indigo’s” experimental character appeals to committed ARMYs and indie music fans more than the general public.

Indigo sounds distinct than his 2015 RM and 2018 mono mixtapes. Group tracks co-written by RM like “Hold Me Tight” and “Embarrassed” hint at this album’s mood.
He earlier stated that he has yet to find his signature style. Thus, an album that explores with diverse approaches would appeal more to committed ARMYs and independent music enthusiasts unfamiliar with him than to the wider public.

2. The Astronaut by Jin (October 28, 2022)

The song is an exotic pop-rock song perfect for drifting into space while thinking about a loved one. Jin co-wrote this Kygo-produced song with Coldplay. It peaked at 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. In Jin’s music video, his neck tattoo spelling “ARMY” in Braille stood out, especially as he sang, “And I love you.” Jin promoted an astronaut persona dubbed Wootteo, which inspired a space-themed goods line and acquired over a million Instagram followers.

Jin’s first live performance of “The Astronaut” with Coldplay in Argentina occurred hours after its release. Even if Jin hadn’t confirmed the song was a goodbye gift for ARMYs, a surprise drop that sounds like a BTS release sounds like a gift for existing fans. Perhaps his approach will change following his military discharge? Jin Merch is a set of 54 cards of Jinssingle with the astronaut album!

3. D-Day by Suga/Agust D (April 21, 2023)

Though powerful, the album has less hostility than his alter persona, Agust D.’s earlier rap trilogy releases. J-Hope, IU, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Woosung collaborated on the album. “Haegeum” peaked at 58 on the Hot 100. The single “Amygdala.”‘s personal stories touched ARMYs. Suga played “People Pt. 2” with IU on her show and was interviewed by guest presenter RM on his Suchwita show to promote the album. Suga went on a solo world tour after the album release, carrying a guitar with BTS slogans.

As the trilogy’s climax, D-Day allowed Suga to ponder on his history and present. Fans who competed for tickets to his first tour stop had less than a week to learn the words, implying that the record was more about giving ARMYs a live narrative experience than making hits. He told Marie Claire Korea that his solo tour was “not to realize my full potential nor to succeed as a solo artist,” but to repay fans who waited for another BTS tour.

4. Jack in the Box by J-Hope (July 15, 2022)

The album pays homage to old-school hip-hop with grunge, alternative rock, and punk influences for added anguish. J. Cole partnered with J-Hope on the 2023 single “On the Street,” which peaked at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Jack in the Box” was a solo effort. J-Hope’s candidness during his Lollapalooza performance inspired fans to compile songs of his cussing, while Jimin’s support in Chicago added to the situation.

J-Hope led Lollapalooza and MAMA Awards marketing, winning for himself and BTS. In 2023, the digital-exclusive album was released on CD with additional songs and Lollapalooza performances. After his brighter first mixtape Hope World in 2018, J-Hope wanted to reestablish himself with a grittier sound on a worldwide platform, suited for an album about Pandora’s box and what’s inside. A festival like Lolla would allow him to perform for non-fans (albeit Hobipalooza proved otherwise).

5. Face by Jimin (March 24, 2023)

The vibe is defined by vocal effects that enhance Jimin’s voice across various genres, from trap soul to synth pop. No artists are featured, but RM contributed to the writing of several songs. “Like Crazy” reached the peak position of number one on the Billboard Hot 100. A notable moment for ARMYs was the use of explicit language in “Set Me Free Pt. 2,” coupled with Jimin’s display of poetic chest tattoos in the music video.

During the launch of his album, Jimin offered fans a glimpse into the creative process with his Production Diary. He also enjoyed a day with Vogue in New York and made a light-hearted appearance on The Tonight Show, jokingly preferring the nickname “Jimin Fallon.” The theme of “FACE” reflects Jimin’s introspection at this point in his career, a contrast to his 2023 track “Closer Than This” which was a tribute to his fans.

While Jimin engaged in media appearances, his promotion period was short-lived. Despite this, he continued to excel on the charts, placing a greater emphasis on his performances, particularly using visuals to highlight his expertise in contemporary dance. This period also featured exclusive Jimin merch, offering fans a unique way to connect with his artistic journey.

6. Layover by V (September 8, 2023)

Layover has jazzy, soulful melodies and a baritone voice who loves vintage objects, giving it an old-fashioned vibe that matches its decor. NewJeans creative director Min Hee-jin oversaw the release’s creation. “Slow Dancing” peaked at 51 on the Hot 100. A important point for ARMYs was when V grabbed a hat and took a calm dance break during the minute-long flute solo at the end of “Slow Dancing.”

In the rollout, fifth-gen It boy and V’s dog Yeontan had his Mnet stage debut. Five tunes have artistic music videos, and V performed on Tiny Desk Korea. If his music and casual promos weren’t enough, V revealed in an interview that for his solo debut, he wanted to pull down some of his flashy and over-the-top stage acts and display his original color. That method works with an album title that suggests halt, as in his newest UMI feature.

7. Golden by Jung Kook (November 3, 2023)

The pop-influenced album draws inspiration from Michael Jackson and ‘NSync and incorporates R&B and EDM. Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes co-wrote the song, which features Jack Harlow, Major Lazer, Latto, DJ Snake, Usher, and Justin Timberlake on remixes. “Seven” featuring Latto topped the Billboard Hot 100. The racy lyrics in “Seven” and the mention to “DNA” in “Standing Next to You.” resonated with ARMYs. Jung Kook surprised fans with a free concert in Times Square, told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe about his rollout, partnered with sister group Le Sserafim on TikTok choreography, and used famous backing dancers in his music videos.

Jung Kook hopes to establish himself as a sensual pop singer in the West with this album. From radio-friendly singles and remixes to popular dance challenges, the release feels like it was made in a lab for TikTok’s gen-pop. He sings English. Are the lyrics profound? No. Is it a crime to look sexy and sing innuendos?

As we delve into the unique essence of each BTS member’s solo album and the accompanying BTS merchandise, we celebrate their individual artistry and the profound connection they share with ARMYs worldwide. As we bid farewell until 2025, let’s continue to cherish these moments and the music that binds us together. Here’s to embracing the individual journeys of BTS members and anticipating the magic they will bring in the future. Until we meet again, keep the BTS spirit alive in your hearts!