BTS’ V Unveils New Solo Single ‘FRI(END)S’: Stream It Now

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.