BTS member Kim Taehyung, known as V, said he would have felt "stuck" as an artist if he had not released his solo song "Layover" [1].

The statement highlights the importance of individual creative exploration for members of the global pop phenomenon as they navigate solo careers alongside their group obligations. It underscores the psychological pressure of maintaining artistic growth under intense public scrutiny.

Speaking in Seoul, South Korea, in mid-February 2026, V discussed the necessity of the project [2]. He said the release served as a critical step in avoiding a feeling of stagnation. The singer said the process of creating and sharing the music was vital to his evolution.

"If 'Layover' hadn't come out, I think V, as an artist, would have been stuck as a..." V said [1].

The artist said the drive to continue growing influenced his decision to put the work into the public domain. By stepping away from the collective sound of BTS to produce "Layover," he sought a personal breakthrough. This move allowed him to explore sonic territories that may not have fit the broader group dynamic.

V's reflections come as a point of interest for fans tracking the solo trajectories of the BTS members. The transition from a synchronized group identity to individual artistry often requires these moments of vulnerability and risk-taking. For V, the solo track was not merely a product but a tool for professional survival—a way to ensure he did not remain static in his craft [1].

His experience in Seoul illustrates the tension between the security of a successful group and the precariousness of solo experimentation. By prioritizing his growth, V said he aimed to redefine his identity beyond the expectations placed upon him as a member of one of the world's most successful musical acts [2].

“"If 'Layover' hadn't come out, I think V, as an artist, would have been stuck"”

This admission reveals the internal pressure high-profile idols face to evolve their artistic identity independently of their group's brand. By framing a solo release as a necessity to avoid being 'stuck,' V signals that for global superstars, creative stagnation is viewed as a significant professional risk, making solo ventures a strategic requirement for longevity.