V of BTS Embarks on Solo Journey with Debut Album ‘Layover’

Since BTS announced their group hiatus in mid-2022, fans have watched each member venture into individual projects. Now, it’s time for V, Kim Taehyung, to step into his long-awaited solo spotlight. On August 8, 2023, BigHit Music officially announced the release of V’s debut solo album titled Layover, stylized as Layo(V)er, marking a major moment in the BTS vocalist’s career.

Known for his velvety voice and deep artistic sensibility, V has previously released well-loved solo songs such as Winter Bear, Sweet Night (from Itaewon Class), and Christmas Tree (from Our Beloved Summer). However, Layover is his first complete solo album, making it one of the most anticipated K-pop releases of the year.

Layover Album Release Date & Concept

The album Layover is set to drop on September 8, just a month after its announcement. Fans were given a taste of its aesthetic through a visual teaser—boxes wrapped in purple tape and covered in V-themed stickers mysteriously arriving at apartment doorsteps, evoking themes of nostalgia, intimacy, and surprise.

Adding to the personal touch, the album’s promotional schedule was revealed in a charming handwritten style, assumed to be V’s own, on a yellow-lined notepad titled the Promotion Map.

What’s on the Tracklist?

Layover features six tracks, carefully curated to reflect V’s musical identity. The album is designed to be listened to in order, creating an immersive, emotional journey. BigHit confirmed that each track will be accompanied by an official music video, adding visual storytelling to the sonic experience.

Official Tracklist:

  1. Rainy Days
  2. Blue
  3. Love Me Again
  4. Slow Dancing
  5. For Us
  6. Slow Dancing (Piano Version) – Bonus Track

Track Highlights & Musical Style

BigHit shared insights on the sonic character of each song:

  • “Rainy Days” – A gentle blend of V’s voice with ambient rain and everyday sounds. A contemplative track perfect for quiet moments.
  • “Blue” – A nod to classic R&B with a fresh, modern spin.
  • “Love Me Again” – A sultry R&B track showcasing V’s rich, low vocal tone.
  • “Slow Dancing” – The title track. A 1970s-inspired romantic soul ballad that captures a relaxed, free-spirited feeling.
  • “For Us” – Described as an epilogue, this pop-R&B piece promises emotional depth through V’s lyrical storytelling.
  • “Slow Dancing (Piano Ver.)” – A softer reimagining of the title track that closes the album with emotional resonance.

Music Videos & Rollout Schedule

V’s solo rollout includes multiple phases leading up to and following the album release. Here’s a timeline of what fans can expect:

  • August 10 (KST): Love Me Again MV
  • August 11: Rainy Days MV & Streaming Pre-release + Photo 1
  • August 16: Photo 2 Release
  • September 8: Full Album & Slow Dancing MV Release

Each visual offers fans a glimpse into V’s world, with creative direction focusing on mood, emotion, and cinematic storytelling.

Creative Direction & Collaborators

To bring his vision to life, V teamed up with Hee Jin Min, the creative mind behind NewJeans’ distinctive branding and performance identity. Min oversaw all aspects of Layover—from design and choreography to album production and visual direction. BigHit stated that the project will reflect “a new side of V’s charm,” while staying true to his artistic soul and personal taste, blending classic aesthetics with modern minimalism.

Where to Stream & Pre-Order

Fans can pre-order Layover through major music platforms and K-pop retailers. The album will be available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and all major DSPs starting September 8, 2023.

With Layover, V steps into the solo spotlight with a sound that blends vintage soul, modern R&B, and his signature emotional depth. It’s not just a debut, it’s a statement. A story of transformation, solitude, and serenity, Layover is more than an album, it’s V’s personal postcard to the world.


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