All seven members of BTS may have officially enlisted, but that won't prevent the release of brand-new content.Vocal line member Jimin announced his upcoming digital single ‘Closer Than This’ which will act as a farewell gift for fans as he fulfills his military duties. Before the news, the BTS official Instagram teased a reel of Jimin dancing to an unknown track. Shortly thereafter, fellow BTS member Taehyung appeared to an array of loving handwritten messages on the studio mirror for fans.
At midnight KST BigHit announced: “We are excited to announce the release of BTS member Jimin’s digital single, 'Closer Than This.' 'Closer Than This' is a heartfelt fan song that encapsulates Jimin’s genuine feelings for ARMY. As we approach the final days of 2023, we hope that “Closer Than This,” with its lyrics conveying Jimin’s love and affection for his fans, will bring you hope and warmth.
[공지] 지민 솔로 디지털 싱글 'Closer Than This' 발매 안내 (+ENG/JPN/CHN)https://t.co/AbDurnGzcD#지민 #Jimin #CloserThanThis pic.twitter.com/F7DMuso7yj
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) December 20, 2023
2023 has been a jam-packed year of music despite the enlistments, with the band’s next chapter being well underway with solo debuts, collaborations, and two group singles. In March, J-Hope released the uplifting hip-hop number ‘On the Street featuring J-Cole.’ Later, the remaining members went on to succeed with their debut solo albums, Jimin (Face), Taehyung (Layover), and Jungkook (Golden). Springtime saw the finale of the Agust D album trilogy, with rapline member SUGA releasing D-Day, which took to the road on a show-stopping 28 dates across the US and Asia.
If all that wasn't enough, today (20th) saw the release of the poignant documentary BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star in partnership with Disney+. The eight-part series will see episodes released weekly, with the first two episodes now live. The series is a nostalgic look and deep dive into their global achievements since their debut in June 2013.
Fans can expect to see archived scenes ranging from early trainee days to new concert footage. Accompanying the nostalgia will feature never-before-seen interviews with the members as they discuss their rise to fame, success, and the effects it had on them throughout. It ties in with their autobiographical book Beyond the Story: A 10-Year Record of BTS, which celebrates their 10th anniversary. In addition, their single 'Take Two' was released as part of their Festa celebration.
December saw the remaining members enlist, and with that, the fandom did what it does best and charted 2017’s Spring Day. The song is a staple anthem between the band and ARMY, reaching number one in over 83 countries. The following day saw 2018’s Outro: Tear set a record, topping the Worldwide iTunes and European iTunes charts. A current re-comeback of the 2013 debut album 2 Cool 4 Skool is also climbing the charts.
About the resurgence of old music charting, Bighit released a statement to Naver stating, “It appears that the warm hearts of fans waiting for BTS, whose members have all entered military service as of the 12th, to be fully promoted in 2025 are reflected in the chart results.” (1)
Closer Than This will be available on all digital platforms on Friday, 22nd December, at 2 pm KST. Are you excited for more new music? Let us know in the comments below, be sure to follow KpopWise for all the latest on your favorite idols!