UK, BTS Hiatus Special Article "The Formula of Nervous Breakdown"

BTS attending the 64th Grammy Awards held in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022
[Image source=AP News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The UK's leading daily newspaper The Times dedicated three pages in its June 18 (Korean time) edition to a special feature article on the temporary hiatus of BTS's activities.

The front page headline boldly announced the special feature with the phrase "BTS, why did the world's biggest boy band break up?" The back page included a full-page photo and an analysis by the newspaper's Asia editor, who interviewed BTS in 2018.

The newspaper's Asia editor, Richard Lloyd Parry, criticized the idol system and fandom culture that overworks idols without giving them time to grow in his article titled "BTS and Me: Not Surprised by the Hiatus." He pointed out, "BTS's life looked like a 'formula for nervous breakdown,' and it happened in less than four years." He also wrote that BTS members had expressed in past interviews that they had no time to date, meet family, or maintain a normal lifestyle.

He said, "I felt sorry for BTS," adding, "They were more sad than sexy, more exhausted than glamorous, and the most overworked millionaires I have ever seen." He continued, "The agency calls it a temporary adjustment, but with a 28% drop in stock price, at least investors seem to believe that BTS's cash cow has run dry."

Editor Parry also mentioned the pressure BTS faced, stating that as a source of Korean pride and symbol, they bore national responsibilities and were regarded as a major export and strategic national asset.

He also criticized the fandom, 'Armi.' Parry wrote in an interview that "Although RM has an IQ of 148, sometimes his English sentences are strange, making him more like Joey (who often makes mistakes and is comical) from the sitcom Friends rather than Chandler," which sparked significant backlash. He said, "I made a lighthearted joke but was accused of 'xenophobia,' and fans poured abusive protest messages at me on Twitter." He pointed out that Armi likes the dance and music but shows no interest in statements supporting philosophy, tolerance, or self-respect.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.