V Releases English Single "Fri(end)s" While J-Hope Prepares Documentary Series and Album

Courtesy of Big Hit Music

V of the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS debuted a new English digital single titled "Fri(end)s" on Friday, while his bandmate J-Hope readies a documentary series and album.

The single, "Fri(end)s," amassed over 4.72 million streams on Spotify upon release, reaching No. 7 on Spotify's Daily Top Song Global playlist. This release surpassed V's previous chart performance with "Love Me Again," a B-side from his first solo album "Layover," which peaked at No. 10 on the same chart in August 2023. "Fri(end)s" also claimed the top spot on iTunes' Top Song chart in 87 regions worldwide and secured the No. 2 position on Oricon's Daily Digital Single Ranking.  

▲ V of BTS / Courtesy of Big Hit Music

The song, characterized by pop-soul R&B elements and English lyrics, narrates V's romantic feelings towards a friend since 2009, highlighting the tension between friendship and romantic attraction. In a press release, V expressed his intention to offer fans a piece of music to enjoy during his absence.

J-Hope, another member of BTS, is set to unveil a documentary series titled "Hope on the Street" on March 28. The six-part series documents J-Hope's encounters with street dancers across Osaka, Paris, New York, and his hometown of Gwangju, where he engages in dance exchanges and learning sessions across various street dance genres.

▲ Main trailer for the This project, conceived prior to J-Hope's enlistment in the military in April last year, precedes the release of his special album, "Hope on the Street Vol. 1," scheduled for March 29. As per South Korean law, all physically fit men are obligated to serve in the military for a minimum of 18 months.

BTS is anticipated to resume group activities in 2025 following the completion of mandatory service by all seven members.

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