▲ Members of the K-pop phenom BTS pose for photos backstage at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Nov. 27, 2021, in this photo captured from BTS' official Twitter page. The chart-topping group had its first in-person concert in two years in the American city, in front of some 50,000 fans. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

 

SEOUL, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- Three members of the K-pop superband BTS returned home Monday from Los Angeles where it secured a top music honor and had four sold-out live concerts.

BTS members will take an extended period of rest from Monday and spend the New Year privately with their respective families for the first time since their debut. This is BTS' second long-term break since 2019.

Members Jimin, Jin, and Jungkook arrived at Incheon International Airport at about 5 a.m. and returned home after undergoing a quarantine procedure.

 

 

▲ This composite photo shows three BTS members --Jin, Jungkook and Jimin (from left) -- arriving at Incheon International Airport from Los Angeles where it had its first in-person concerts in two years. (Yonhap)

BTS took home the artist of the year, considered the top honor, at this year's American Music Awards, one of the three major music awards in the United States, on Nov. 22 (U.S. time). The group also had its first in-person concerts in two years amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. city.

Upon their return, the three members entered a 10-day self-quarantine mandated by the government for all international arrivals in order to stem the spread of the omicron variant of the new coronavirus.

As a result, it seems difficult for BTS to carry out further events and the members are expected to rest at home.

Meanwhile, the four other members--RM, Suga, V, and J-hope--are reportedly staying in the U.S. to spend some personal time. 

 

▲ K-pop superstar BTS performs during the "Permission to Dance on Stage" concert at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Dec. 2, 2021, in this photo provided by its agency, Big Hit Music. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

"BTS stayed active in order to engage with fans in 2020 and 2021 amidst the COVID-19 situation, and achieve dazzling results to cement themselves as top global artists," BTS' agency Big Hit Music said. "This period of rest will provide the members of BTS who have tirelessly committed themselves to their activities, a chance to get re-inspired and recharge with creative energy."

"It will also be the first time for them since their debut to spend the holiday season with their families," Big Hit Music added. "BTS will be focusing on preparing for the concert and release of the new album that will mark the beginning of a "new chapter."

BTS will also not attend the KBS Song Festival on Dec. 17 and the SBS Gayo Daejeon festival on Dec. 25 in addition to the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMAs), which has already officially announced BTS' absence.

Big Hit Music did not disclose the specific dates of BTS' break. However, as the 64th Grammy Awards, where BTS was nominated for best pop duo or group performance, will be held on Jan. 31 in Los Angeles, BTS is expected to return before the awards ceremony.

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