There’s a saying among ARMY — BTS’ famously loyal fandom — that the South Korean supergroup’s songs find you when you need them the most. Feeling a bit melancholy? “Spring Day” is here to put things into perspective. Need something to pep up your spirit? “Dynamite” understands. 

The solo careers of the band’s seven members have produced many similarly beloved moments. RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook have all been incredibly prolific, with each creating his own artistic profile and unique discography. 

In 2022, Jin became the first BTS member to enlist in the South Korean army — a requirement for all able-bodied South Korean men. That year, Rolling Stone published the 100 best BTS songs. By June 2025, the rest of the group had completed their military requirements and reunited back in Seoul. As the band enters into a new chapter of its career, we felt now was the perfect time to make this ranking of every BTS solo song so far.

With a subject this vast, we need to establish a few ground rules before jumping into the list: 

This is not a list of every single thing each member of this band has ever done throughout their entire lives. This is a list of songs by the members of BTS released after the formation of BTS. We are not including any songs released before BTS debuted in June 2013, which means songs like 14-year-old RM’s “Collabo” and “Fuck Cockroachez” were not eligible. 

We are only counting songs in which a member of BTS is credited or co-credited as the main artist on the track. Features do not count, but duets or any other kind of collaboration where the BTS member gets equal billing as the main artist on the track do count. So, “Stop the Rain”  by Tablo and RM made the list, while “That That” by PSY, which is credited as “(prod. & feat. Suga of BTS),” did not. 

Solo versions of songs that had already appeared on BTS albums or had been previously recorded by the group were not eligible. But, of course, all songs on their mixtapes and solo albums were included.

BTS has made many television appearances where they performed one-off songs as subunits. They also made an iconic guest appearance at the legendary Seo Taiji’s 25th-anniversary concert, where he proclaimed BTS as his musical successors. As great as they were, those appearances aren’t included. Songs released on social media are not included.  Covers that were released as singles or uploaded onto BTS’ official channels are included. 

Since their 2013 debut, some of the members — particularly RM and Suga — have gone by different stage names. For clarity’s sake, we are sticking to the names they currently use within BTS: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook.

The BTS universe is vast and rich and unlike anything else in the history of pop music. The seven musicians are prolific as a group and as individuals, creating smart, fun music that encourages listeners to think and dance, laugh and cry, bliss out and emit primal screams. While these artists mesh together beautifully as BTS, there’s something really special about what they are creating separately. This list is a celebration of that story.

V, ‘Love Me Again’

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A huge part of V’s allure is his deep voice and his affinity for soul and jazz. There’s nothing special about the simple production. It’s V’s delivery that sells this ballad.

RM, ‘Throw Away’

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - SEPTEMBER 18: RM of BTS attends the press conference for BTS's New Album 'LOVE YOURSELF: Her' release at Lotte Hotel Seoul on September 18, 2017 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by THE FACT/Imazins via Getty Images)
Image Credit: THE FACT/Imazins/Getty Images

Distorted guitars and an aggressive backbeat propel “Throw Away,” a raging number that has a similar vibe to Prodigy’s 1990s techno hit “Firestarter.” The way RM overpronounces as he screams out buhryuh/버려 — the Korean word for throw away — even sounds like he’s saying “fire.” RM gives a shout-out to other rappers, notably Wu-Tang Clan and his own bandmate Suga.

Suga, ‘Life Goes On’

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 27: Suga of boy band BTS aka Bangtan Boys is seen at 'The Devil's Deal' VIP Screening at COEX Megabox on February 27, 2023 in Seoul, South Korea. The film will open on March 01, 2023 in South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage)
Image Credit: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage/Getty Images

A companion piece to BTS’ 2020 song of the same name, Suga’s solo reinterpretation is an affirmation of saying goodbye to “the place where I passed for 10 years” and looking forward to adjusting to his future, as life goes on. 

RM, ‘Tokyo’

INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 28:  Suga, Jin, JungKook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of boy band BTS attend the 2018 Asia Artist Awards on November 28, 2018 in Incheon, South Korea.  (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage)
Image Credit: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage

Loneliness is a theme that runs throughout RM’s mixtape Mono. On this soft piano-led all-English track, RM explores that feeling. With lyrics like “I can’t sleep/Homesick, babe/I just wanna stay right next to you,” listeners can extrapolate that he’s missing someone who he isn’t allowed to be seen with in public, due to the no-dating nature of the idol system.

RM feat. Colde, ‘Hectic’

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 03: RM of BTS performs onstage during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Image Credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images/The Recording Academy

RM and Colde contemplate how a dizzyingly crammed lifestyle affects their artistry: “Yesterday was hectic, there was nothing romantic/If I can just find a reason/To keep this endless chasing.” The thumping beat adds to the song’s tension, as the two artists try to find a solution to something they may not want to change.

RM feat. Youjeen, ‘Wildflower’

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RM worked on this song for three years before inviting Cherry Filter’s Youjeen to join him on it. The lead track from his album Indigo, the song deals with how to best handle his desires before they devour him. Youjeen’s soaring vocals reassure RM’s, telling him that he will not vanish like a flame. Rather, he’ll thrive like a resilient wildflower. 

J-Hope feat. Miguel, ‘Sweet Dreams’

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J-Hope sounds smooth rapping in fluid English and making the kind of promises meant to make listeners both wistful and weak in the knees: “We might never get to sleep tonight/I’ll give you everything you need tonight/This kind of love I guarantee for life/Dreams are gonna be sweet tonight.” Miguel’s falsetto is a delightful addition to this soulful single, which J-Hope has confirmed is his first song centered on romantic love.

RM, ‘Lost!’

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Rarely has anyone sounded as unbothered as RM about being literally and metaphorically lost. Embracing the unknown and what he might discover, he raps along to the buoyant bass line announcing to anyone who’ll listen, “I’m goddamn lost.”

J-Hope feat. J. Cole, ‘On the Street’

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J-Hope collaborated with J. Cole on the 2023 release of “On the Street,” and followed that up with a solo rendition in 2024 for his Hope on the Street album. The album version includes an additional verse, with J-Hope sounding a bit more raw and vulnerable.

Suga feat. IU, ‘People Pt. 2’

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A vulnerable Suga contemplates love and longing on this collaboration with Korean superstar IU. “What is it about loss that makes us so sad?” The answer is quite profound: “It’s actually the dread.”

V, ‘FRI(END)S’

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If bedroom eyes could be heard, it would sound like V singing “FRI(END)S.” He’s stuck in a situationship when he’d prefer to be in a relationship. But what to do when you’re “friends just for now/Yeah, but friends don’t say words that make friends feel like more than just friends.”

Jimin feat. Loco, ‘Smeraldo Garden Marching Band’

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Loosely inspired by the Beatles Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and referencing the BTS-Steve Aoki collab “The Truth Untold,” this playful song embraces Jimin’s warm vocals as he sings about a flower (smeraldo) that only exists in the BTS universe, which is a fictional series of story arcs that BTS created.

Jin, ‘Running Wild’

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Embracing his pop-rock solo career, Jin’s “Running Wild” is the focus track from his debut album, Happy. Jin hits all the right, deliciously high notes in this song, which was co-written and co-produced by Take That’s Gary Barlow. The song’s thesis is to liberate oneself from expectations by running until “there’s nothing left, ‘till our last breath.”

RM, ‘Out of Love’

RM of BTS is seen during the Milan Women's Fashion Week Fall Winter 2023/2024 on February 25, 2023 in Milan, Italy (Photo by Alessandro Bremec/NurPhoto via AP)
Image Credit: Alessandro Bremec/NurPhoto/AP

This dark, moody hip-hop song reminds us that before RM became the leader of BTS, he was a hardcore underground rapper. Angry and defiant, RM speaks of love as a concept that doesn’t exist anymore. And he’s not OK with that.

V feat. Peakboy, ‘Snow Flower’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 26: V of BTS attends the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Image Credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/The Recording Academy

V released this song on Christmas Day 2020 to lift the spirits of everyone affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The song is soothing, with V offering a romantic and jazzy interpretation. Joined by Peakboy — who plays guitar, drums, and also raps — “Snow Flower” celebrates the beauty of nunkkot (눈꽃), which is Korean for snowflake. The literal translation, however, is “snow (눈) flower (꽃),” some of which are strong enough to survive the brutal winters to bloom in the spring. “When the world is full of white flowers,” V croons, “may our times be more special.”

RM feat. Park Ji-yoon, ‘No. 2’

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 03: RM of BTS during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images/The Recording Academy

Park Ji-yoon starts this collab with her sweet vocals, setting up RM’s contemplative rap. This poignant song leaves room for forgiveness, as the artists tell each other that there’s no need to look back with regrets. Instead, accept yourself, flaws and all. “I’ve only learned one thing so far,” RM sings to Park. “I’ll be forever me …/You’ve done your best.”

Halsey and Suga, ‘Lilith (Diablo IV Anthem)’

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 28: Suga of boy group BTS is seen at 'The Devil's Deal' VIP Premiere at coex megabox on February 28, 2023 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)
Image Credit: The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins/Getty Images

A fierce, emotional duet between Halsey (who sang on BTS’ “Boy With Luv”) and Suga, “Lilith (Diablo IV Anthem)” is a reworked version of Halsey’s 2021 song “Lilith.” Suga’s pointed commentary on power and corruption are compelling. But when Halsey accepts blame for “doin’ things I’m not supposed to,” he steps in to reassure and remind her to “step out of the moment that’s been trappin’ you in all this negativity of hatred and insanity.”

Jin, ‘Tonight’

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 06: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO COMMERCIAL USE.) Jin of BTS performs onstage during 102.7 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2019 Presented by Capital One at the Forum on December 6, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images/iHeartMedia

Upon first listen, this sentimental ode can be interpreted as Jin missing someone from his past. “When this night passes, I’m afraid I won’t be able to see you,” he sings. The gentle song is actually about the death of his pets, who have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.

RM, ‘Nuts’

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 24: RM of boy band BTS is seen at the 18th W Magazine Korea Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign "Love Your W" photo call at Four Seasons Hotel on November 24, 2023 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage)
Image Credit: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage

RM is feeling it in this alternative-hip-hop song, where he works through his past experiences with users. He mocks them, describing them as pro riders, followed by a therapeutic “Woo, hoo, hoo, hoo.” Who are these gaslighting riders? RM leaves it to us to come to our own conclusions.

Jung Kook, ‘Yes or No’

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Jungkook attends Global Citizen Festival 2023 at Central Park on September 23, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Global Citizen)
Image Credit: Rob Kim/Getty Images/Global Citizen

The answer to anything Jung Kook asks is yes. Unless he wants it to be no. “Are you feeling the rush?” Yes. “Are we falling in love?” You betcha. “Are you thinking about us?” Always.

Jin, ‘Super Tuna’

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When Jin released a short version of “Super Tuna” in 2021, it was supposed to be a tongue-in-cheek tune to amuse ARMY — kind of like a “Baby Shark” for BTS fans. But with its old-school-trot vibe and Jin’s earnest delivery, it became a sensation that earned a full-length version in 2024. The song is silly, catchy, and just what we need in a turbulent era. And to be perfectly frank, if Pablo Neruda can deify a dead tuna in his mournful poem “Ode to a Large Tuna in the Market,” then Jin can sing this deliriously happy song about a tuna begging to be caught, unaware that death is looming in his own fate.

J-Hope, ‘Stop’

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 31: J-Hope performs during 2022 Lollapalooza day four at Grant Park on July 31, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
Image Credit: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

J-Hope contemplates what differentiates good from evil on “Stop.” A throbbing bass line and drums set the tone for this song, which warns us not to buy the lie that “the world is changing because there are no bad people.” To quote J-Hope’s own lyrics, “Ah ha ha ha!”

Jung Kook, ‘Hate You’

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Jung Kook sings in a lower register than usual on this all-English track that deconstructs a relationship he’s not ready to leave. He sings in a mournful, trembling whisper, “I wish you went behind my back/And told me lies …/Maybe hating you’s the only way it doesn’t hurt.” In under three minutes, he creates a complete story that doesn’t offer a happy ending, but offers one that is difficult to forget.

Jimin, ‘Closer Than This’

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A sweet ode to ARMY, “Closer Than This” was recorded to tide the fandom over while BTS served in the military. Say what you will about the parasocial relationship between Korean idols and their fans, this song conveys the kind of gratitude that is hopeful without being cloying.

RM feat. eAeon, ‘Badbye’

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MAY 24: RM of BTS attends press conference for the BTS's Third Album 'LOVE YOURSELF : Tear' Release at Lotte Hotel Seoul on May 24, 2018 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by THE FACT/Imazins via Getty Images)
Image Credit: THE FACT/Imazins/Getty Images

“Badbye” is a bewitching song that, at just under two minutes, is also the shortest on Mono. Which is unfortunate, because it’s sonically so beautiful. Handling the majority of vocals is eAeon, eerily singing words that leave no hope for a happy ending: “Bad badbye, no goodbye.” When RM joins in, repeating “Kill me, kill softly,” we can only imagine what led to this tragic badbye.

Jimin, ‘Dear ARMY’

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Gentle guitars start off this hidden track from Jimin’s solo debut album, Face. With his voice dropping to a low register, he sings about the unknown future. Still, he’s hopeful that listeners will “stay by my side.”

J-Hope feat. Becky G, ‘Chicken Noodle Soup’

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A remake of DJ Webstar and Young B’s 2006 song of the same name, J-Hope’s “Chicken Noodle Soup” begins with Becky G chanting “Let it rain, and clear it out.” That start gives off a techno-pop vibe reminiscent of Rain’s “It’s Raining” more than any previous J-Hope track. Sung in Korean, English, and Spanish, the duo’s rendition is a peppy, free-flowing hip-hop track set to a heavy bass line and lots and lots of energy.

Jimin, ‘Like Crazy’

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There are both English and Korean versions of this song, which starts with indiscernible whispers, giving it a mysterious start. One could argue about the lyrics being overtly sexual (“Give me a good ride”), but as Jimin wraps his warm vocals around the words, he turns it into a gentle plea.

J-Hope, ‘Future’

CHICAGO, IL - JULY 31: J-Hope performs during day 4 of Lollapalooza at Grant Park on July 31, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Image Credit: Michael Hickey/Getty Images

J-Hope can be dark and deep. But he can also flip the switch and create some upbeat and vibrant songs. “Future” is a joyful song of hope. Whitney Houston once sang “I believe the children are our future,” and J-hope believes it too. As a children’s choir chirps “Na na na” in the background, you can almost feel his smile.

Halsey and Suga, ‘SUGA’s Interlude’

LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 01:  Halsey (C) and BTS are seen backstage during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  (Photo by Emma McIntyre/BBMA2019/Getty Images for dcp)
Image Credit: Emma McIntyre/BBMA2019/Getty Images/dcp

In this dreamlike collaboration between Suga and Halsey, the pair contemplate their burgeoning careers and the complications of fame. “I was full of dreams and made them come true,” Suga reveals on the atmospheric track. “Yet maybe those dreams as dreams could have been better.”

Tablo and RM, ‘Stop the Rain’

CHUNCHEON, SOUTH KOREA - JUNE 10: RM of BTS attends a discharge ceremony held at the soccer field of Sinbuk-eup Sports Park in Chuncheon-si on June 10, 2025 in Chuncheon, South Korea. (Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)
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This brutally honest song technically belongs to Tablo. But the Epik High rapper has said it wouldn’t exist without RM. Set to a languid beat, “Stop the Rain” offers unflinching insight into the despair each artist went through to get to where they are today. RM sings of suicidal ideation (“When I was a kid, I was convinced that I was destined for the 27 club”). Interestingly, the almost all-English track offers one Korean line near the end (다시 덫 뒤에 덫). Its inclusion is powerful, alluding to a cyclical feeling of being trapped — as if the revelation is too personal to reveal in a language too many people understand.

j-hope, ‘What If …’

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 03: J-Hope of BTS poses during the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images/The Recording Academy

J-Hope presents a darker, aggressive self in “What If, …” a song that deals with his doubts and fears. Fans of 1990s hip-hop will recognize Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Shimmy Shimmy Ya,” which J-Hope sampled. In 2024, J-Hope released an extended dance mix of this song on JHope On the Street Volume 1. (The song is featured in the trailer for Prime Video’s spy thriller Butterfly.)

Jimin, ‘Alone’

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 20: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY - For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) 
Jimin from BTS attends the Dior Homme Menswear Fall-Winter 2023-2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week  on January 20, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Image Credit: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis/Getty Images

Jimin sings of loneliness and losing himself in this seductive ballad. Accompanied by lilting piano trills, he plays off his usual higher pitch by singing back in a lower register. It all works well in this angsty but gentle song.

Jin, ‘Don’t Say You Love Me’

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Breaking up is hard to do, but as Jin says, “Don’t say that you love me because it hurts the most/You’ve just got to let me go.” This bittersweet pop song would’ve fit in so well at the end of a 1980s John Hughes film, when one boy is left heartbroken as the girl he loves goes off with someone else. But he still wishes her well. Kind of.

J-Hope feat. Gaeko and Yoon Mi-rae, ‘Neuron’

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 19: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY - For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) J Hope attends the Louis Vuitton Menswear Fall-Winter 2023-2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week  on January 19, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage)
Image Credit: Marc Piasecki/WireImage

The song ties together J-Hope’s past with his dance crew Neuron, the nervous system that responds to his mind, and a fresh start or, as he raps, a “new run.” South Korean hip-hop artist Gaeko and South Korean American rapper Yoon Mi-rae guest on this track. The trio sound great together, working through the sharp lyrics and a smooth flow.

Jin, ‘Nothing Without Your Love’

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 20: Jin attends the Gucci  Women's Spring Summer 2025 Fashion Show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2025 at Triennale di Milano on September 20, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Gucci)
Image Credit: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images/Gucci

Taking advantage of his expressive voice, Jin soars through this power ballad, where he promises ARMY that for him, “the world is only you.”

Jung Kook feat. Jack Harlow, ‘3D’

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Jung Kook is all grown up and not shy about expressing his carnal desires: “So if you’re ready, and you’ll let me/I wanna see it in motion in 3D.” But some of you may be wondering if the youngest member isn’t talking about something more innocent, like pickleball maybe? Mmmm ‘k, but look up what his promise of champagne confetti means. Still, I was glad it was Jack Harlow, and not JK, who had the line, “I got you playing with yourself on camera.”

Jin, ‘Yours’

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 03: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) BTS sings "Happy Birthday" to Jin as they perform onstage during iHeartRadio 102.7 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2021 presented by Capital One at The Forum on December 03, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)
Image Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images/iHeartRadio

Jin hits those high notes like no other on “Yours,” which was featured in the K-drama Jirisan. But just as important, he fills the song with emotion because of how he parses each phrase to convey the necessary emotions. Jin’s interpretation transcends language barriers, helping listeners understand his torn feelings even without comprehension of the literal words.

Suga, ‘Polar Night’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: Suga of BTS attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on January 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Image Credit: Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images

It’s unclear if Suga is calling out the media, liars, or just haters in general, but lines like “Between so many truths and so many lies/Are we seeing this world right?” indicate that it’s probably all of the above and then some. As he lists a litany of duplicitous acts, Suga draws us in with his breathy delivery, before taking ownership. “It’s all dirty,” he raps. “Am I also clean?”

Jin feat. Yena, ‘Loser’

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - APRIL 15: Jin of BTS attends Netflix's "Kian's Bizarre B&B" Press Conference on April 15, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage)
Image Credit: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage/Getty Images

A superfun power-pop song with Jin and singer Yena trading verses about who’s the loser “if you lose me.” If anyone can keep up with Jin’s cheeky delivery, it’s the former IZ*ONE member who gives as good as she gets.

V, ‘Someone Like You’

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V produced this cover of Adele’s gorgeous powerhouse ballad “Someone Like You.” He wisely chose not to do a straight-on copy of her song, which embodies raw hurt. Instead, V interprets the song as a heartfelt wish. When Adele sings “I wish nothing but the best for you,” it’s a cathartic release that leaves listeners internally screaming, When V sings that same line, the sentiment is a poignant wish for a former partner who has moved on. The song is spare, with a piano melody caressing V’s voice.

J-Hope feat. Benny Blanco and Nile Rodgers, ‘Lock/Unlock’

PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 20: J-Hope of BTS is seen outside Dior, during the Paris Fashion Week - Menswear Fall Winter 2023 2024 : Day Four on January 20, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Image Credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

A throwback to the 1970s disco era, “Lock/Unlock” would’ve gotten everyone at Studio 54 on the dance floor. A debonair J-Hope seductively invites us to, what? Everything. Meanwhile, the throbbing bass line is intoxicating, helping to create a number that is part funk, part electro-pop, and 100 percent fun.

RM feat. Tablo, ‘All Day’

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - OCTOBER 28: RM of boy band BTS poses for photographs at the W Magazine Korea Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign 'Love Your W' at Four Seasons Hotel on October 28, 2022 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/WireImage)
Image Credit: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage/Getty Images

As a child, RM had aspirations of becoming a rapper. But it wasn’t until he was 11 and heard Epik High’s “Fly” that he felt it could be a possibility. In this long-awaited first collaboration between RM and Epik High leader Tablo, the two musicians navigate a world that’s full of algorithms, but little soul. Their mutual respect is evident in how they pay homage to each other’s hits in their rhymes. Tablo references BTS songs “DNA” and “Dynamite,” while “fly” pops up throughout RM’s verses. The song questions why we’re fighting all day for survival, but ultimately offers hope: “When the cruel world seems to be laughing at you/No matter what the world says, we fly.”

Suga, ‘Amygdala’

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Listening to BTS members’ songs can feel like attending a lecture where we learn about subjects that are often pretty esoteric for pop music. I mean, who among us actually knew that the song title referred to the portion of our brain that processes emotions? We listen as Suga mournfully lists the memories stored in his amygdala that he has been unable to erase — his mother’s heart surgery, his father’s liver cancer, his own debilitating accident, and his recurring suicidal ideation. The song is dark, desperate, and raw, with Suga’s vocals appropriately mournful as he pleads, “My amygdala, please save me.” This is a song he worked on for three years before he was satisfied with the arrangement. In the end, he creates a sobering look at what Min Yoon-gi had to go through before he became Suga, and then eventually Agust D.

J-Hope, ‘Mona Lisa’

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J-Hope likes his girls “pretty, so fine,” independent and unique, and to be one-of-a-kind like da Vinci’s famous painting. He sings his girl’s praises, noting, “How you get me goin’, might just blow it,” which can be interpreted as her being elusive enough to lose or, um, blowing it in that other way. Running under three minutes, the sassy song is catchy from start to finish.

V and Park Hyo-Shin, ‘Winter Ahead’

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Winter and Christmas are themes that V returns to often in his music. “Winter Ahead” features a lush harmonic blend of V’s tenor and balladeer Park Hyo-shin’s smooth vocals. The song is a jazzy ode to the holiday season, with trumpets and piano adding a layer of gravitas to this otherwise light song. Like many of V’s solo songs, “Winter Ahead” has a retro vibe that would’ve fit in during previous generations. 

RM feat. Nell, ‘Everythingoes’

INCHEON, SOUTH KOREA - NOVEMBER 06: RM of BTS attends at the 2018 MBC Plus X Genie Music Awards (MGA) at Namdong Gymnasium on November 06, 2018 in Incheon, South Korea. (Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)
Image Credit: The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins/Getty Images

Nell’s Kim Jong-wan starts this song repeating the Korean word jinaga (지나가). In the context of this airy, enchanting collab, it translates to “This too shall pass.” Life’s cyclical nature is addressed in the repetitive words, lulling the listener into an almost trance-like state. Almost. Just as we’re getting comfortable, RM jumps in and goes off, before ultimately reaffirming that “it all passes, someday for certain.”

Suga, ‘Daechwita’

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Not one to shy away from haters, Suga hits back at them creatively with traditional Korean instruments, pansori (a traditional style of storytelling), and pointed disses: “I’m not weak like you pathetic fucks putting on a talent show.” Ouch! The aggressive melody mixed with modern raps creates a sing-along hook where we all want to vent with Suga. 

RM feat. Wale, ‘Change’

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RM tackles inequality, racism, sociopolitical issues, humanity, and even high IQs (RM’s is genius level) in this collaboration with rapper Wale. He also throws a barb at social media bullies: “Everybody’s mad/Kill people with fingers on Twitter/More than a gun, more than a knife.”

Jung Kook, ‘Falling’

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MAY 21: Jungkook of BTS attends a press conference for BTS's new digital single 'Butter' at Olympic Hall on May 21, 2021 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)
Image Credit: The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins/Getty Images

It’s not easy to take a Harry Styles song and make the listener forget about Harry himself. But Jung Kook isn’t just any singer and does exactly this while covering Styles’ soulful ballad “Falling.” Accompanied by an understated piano melody, Jung Kook’s voice trembles with emotion. By the time he pleads “What am I now?/What if I’m someone I don’t want around?” the listener is ready to go to battle for him. Nothing about this song feels forced or overproduced. Jung Kook’s vocal talent and his innate understanding of this song’s meaning is simply outstanding.