Why BTS Didn't Attend The 2022 MTV VMAs

BTS did not make the trip to the U.S. for the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards.

The seven-member K-pop group—composed of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—were nowhere to be seen during tonight's ceremony at New Jersey's Prudential Center. BTS were the most-nominated group tonight, with five nods including Group of the Year, Best K-pop, and Best Choreography.

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The septet had a good reason for missing the ceremony, as they are currently focusing on solo projects from their home base of South Korea. Their company, HYBE, announced that they were taking an indefinite break from group activities, beginning in June.

Though the break was widely reported as a hiatus, a representative later clarified, "BTS are not taking a hiatus. Members will be focusing more on solo projects at this time."

Related article: BTS Announce They’re Taking An Indefinite Hiatus

Since the announcement, the members have kept their worldwide fan base, named ARMY, updated as they work on solo albums and other projects. J-Hope released his solo project, Jack in the Box, last month, followed by a headlining performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago.

HYBE has also recently released the mobile game BTS Island: In the SEOM and announced a collaboration with Disney+ that will bring several shows featuring the group to the platform.

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For ARMY who can't wait to see the members together, BTS will perform a group concert in Busan, South Korea, on October 15. The special show will help promote South Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo, and will be available to stream for free online.

The article originally appeared on Harper's BAZAAR US.