V of BTS Opens Up About Military Service, Solo Music, and Personal Growth BTS member V discusses his formative influences, the challenges and introspection of his military service, and the artistic vision behind his solo EP, Layover. He also reflects on the collaborative dynamics within BTS and his dedication to his craft. V, a member of the global phenomenon BTS, reflects on his formative years spent in the quiet South Korean town of Geochang. These early experiences instilled in him a deep appreciation for vintage music, drawing inspiration from legends like Chet Baker, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley. This musical palette, coupled with a naturally contemplative demeanor, sets him apart within the dynamic energy of his bandmates. His voice, a rich and smoky baritone, perfectly complements the introspective and atmospheric quality of his solo debut EP, Layover. V’s songwriting contributions have been pivotal to BTS, including standout tracks like Into the Sun. He exudes a quiet self-assurance, acknowledging his limitations only when it comes to reaching the stratospheric high notes that his bandmate Jimin effortlessly commands. In a February interview at Hybe’s headquarters in Seoul, V candidly stated, I am on the lower end. But I’ve learned a lot. I’ve gotten better since learning from our past albums, but it will always be a challenge for me. Reflecting on the band's hiatus in 2022, a period of unprecedented change after years of constant performance, V shared his yearning to be back on stage. The inability to perform, even with the desire to release music and dance, was a significant challenge. He described this feeling as a strong desire, but acknowledged the national duty that necessitated the break. To cope, he focused on embracing his identity as Kim Taehyung, separate from his idol persona, for the duration of his military service. Recognizing the extended nature of his commitment, V dedicated himself to making the most of his time, prioritizing his values and well-being. He engaged in extensive introspection, contemplating his personal growth and the kind of person he aspired to become. This period was marked by a rigorous workout regimen, extensive reading, and immersion in music, which he credits with helping him rebuild both his physical and mental fortitude. He actively sought book recommendations from friends, diving into works by Han Kang and Keigo Higashino, and even philosophical texts. This deep engagement with literature fostered a vivid imagination, allowing him to place himself within the narratives he consumed. The experience, while not definitively quantifiable in its helpfulness, undoubtedly contributed to his personal development. Rolling Stone’s May issue celebrated BTS with an unprecedented eight-cover package, highlighting the individual journeys of each member alongside a group feature. The solo covers, accompanied by exclusive videos and Q&As, were rolled out sequentially, providing fans with in-depth insights into each artist. V’s physical transformation was a noticeable outcome of his dedication to fitness, leading to a more confident presence both internally and externally. He approaches his solo music with meticulous care, often refining or discarding numerous songs before release. Layover emerged from a profound need to reflect on his journey as V of BTS. The title itself, Layover, signifies his belief that life is not a linear progression but a series of interconnected experiences. Through this EP, he aimed to showcase his musical versatility, expressing his love for diverse genres including jazz, classical, and alternative music, and sharing this passion with his dedicated fanbase, ARMY. He declared his unwavering love for music, stating, I genuinely love music with all my heart. Regarding the new BTS album, which diverges significantly from his solo endeavors, V’s primary goal was to ensure every song resonated with his personal artistic vision. He emphasized that each track on the album represents his unique style and the musical expressions he aspired to create. This exploration of different genres was a deliberate artistic choice. He poured his heart into the creation of the album, imbuing it with a profound sense of love. Having worked on a vast number of songs, V admitted that many beloved tracks were not included in the final album, and he possesses personal favorites among those that were. However, his greatest anticipation lies in returning to the stage, as his favorite songs invariably evolve when performed live. In the context of a seven-member group, V acknowledges the inherent constraints on individual sonic space. He shared that his primary concern was always executing his parts to the best of his ability, recognizing that translating a beloved song into a personal performance requires immense effort and adaptation. Even when deeply connecting with a piece of music, he understands the necessity of interpreting and reimagining it to suit his own capabilities and artistic expression.