The track marks the star’s first release since enlisting in the South Korean military.
BTS‘ V has officially shared his first project post-military enlistment — a new solo single titled “FRI(END)S.”
Released Friday (March 15), the R&B-infused track was written entirely in English. It follows V’s September 2023 EP Layover, which the K-pop star dropped just a couple months before beginning his mandatory service in the South Korean military alongside bandmates RM, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin, J-Hope and Suga, who have also enlisted.
V previously confirmed that he had banked a few projects to release during his time away, writing in a December statement that he’d “prepared a lot of things” for the 18-month period. “I will miss you so much,” he penned at the time, as translated to English. “Actually, I’m really sad that I can’t make happy memories with my ARMY for the time being […] it’s the hardest not to see the ARMY.”
He added, “I’ll be back!”
The boy bander first announced “FRI(END)S” on social media March 3, going on to share a number of concept photos and teaser videos ahead of the single. “The track, rooted in the pop soul R&B genre, delivers relatable and witty romance through lyrics,” read a statement from Big Hit Music at the time.
“The single artwork accompanying the announcement reveals the song title and release date against a vivid pink background that hints at the song’s sweet mood,” it continued.
As a soloist, V has notched three songs on the Billboard Hot 100. He reached his highest peak to date in 2023 with “Slow Dancing,” which debuted at No. 51 on the chart.
Stream “FRI(END)S” below.
