33 experts in the music industry selected the biggest events of 2022

News1 conducted a survey on pop music experts to mark the end of 2022. A total of 33 officials from K-pop agencies participated in the survey, and the result was announced on December 17th.

◇ BTS’s group activity temporary suspension and solo activities

At a gathering marking BTS’s 9th debut anniversary, the members announced their plan to temporarily take a break from group activities and focus on individual projects in earnest. At that time HYBE’s stock price plunged due to the sudden news of BTS’s hiatus. In response, the agency said, “BTS will start a new chapter with both group and solo activities. This will be the time for each member to grow through various activities so that BTS can become a long-running group”. 

Since then, BTS members have carried out various individual activities. The first member to do solo promotion was J-Hope. His solo album “Jack In The Box” was released on July 15th and gained many impressive achievements. Next, Jin also introduced his solo single “The Astronaut”, which was co-produced by British band Coldplay, on October 28th. He performed this song at Coldplay’s concert in Argentina and presented a meaningful stage to fans.

Following the two members, RM also released his solo album “Indigo” on December 2nd. It is known that RM led the entire production of this album, from writing lyrics and composing all songs to planning the concept, album design, and music video. The youngest member Jungkook has not yet released an official solo album, but he sang the official theme song for the 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup – “Dreamers”. He decorated the stage of the opening ceremony, drawing compliments from people around the world and raising expectations for his solo activities in the future.

◇ BTS’s enlistment

BTS’s enlistment has been a hot issue throughout the year. Politics have had numerous debates on whether to give military exemption to BTS or not. In the end, BTS decided to fulfill military service. In this regard, HYBE said, “Other members will sequentially enlist according to their separate plans.”

The eldest member Jin applied for the cancellation of the postponement of his enlistment and proudly entered the Training Center of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi on December 13th. After receiving basic training, Jin will serve as an active-duty soldier. His scheduled discharge date is June 10, 2024.

◇ Biggest events of the year (including multiple and invalid votes)

– BTS’s solo activities and military enlistment (7 votes)

– The great success of girl groups/ Lee Seung Gi and Hook Entertainment’s conflict (more than 4 votes)

– Yoo Hee Yeol (3 votes)

– Don Spike’s drug case/ Girls’ Generation and Kara’s comebacks/ Overseas tour resume (more than 2 votes)

– Forestella Ko Woo Rim and Kim Yu Na’s marriage/ V and Jennie’s dating rumor/ BLACKPINK’s global success/ IVE’s Rookie of the Year and Daesang/ Youtube Streaming/ Younha’s song climbing backward on charts (more than 1 vote)

Source: Daum