BTS’ V Announces Release Date for New Single ‘FRI(END)S’

BTS‘ V is returning with a new single.

The K-pop superstar officially announced through social media on Sunday (March 3) that his upcoming song, “FRI(END)S,” will be released on March 15 at 1 p.m. KST.

“The track, rooted in the pop soul R&B genre, delivers relatable and witty romance through lyrics written entirely in English,” reads a press statement from Big Hit Music. “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.”

On Saturday, BTS’ official Instagram account teased “FRI(END)S” with a brief clip featuring the K-pop star. The forthcoming track follows V’s 2023 solo debut, Layover, which included songs like “Love Me Again,” “Rainy Days” and “Slow Dancing.”

Shortly after the September 2023 release of his six-track Layover, V prepared for his mandatory military enlistment in South Korea, which is expected to keep the K-pop band on hiatus until 2025.

“I will miss you so much,” V wrote at the time, penned in Korean. “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. I’II be back after 18 months of being healthy, so take care of your ARMY and if you’re looking for something to be happy about every day, cheers! I’m here! I’ll be back!”

“Within 18 months, I’ve prepared a lot of things. Please look forward do it,” the 28-year-old singer added, before concluding, “I’ll really miss you. I love you so much.”

Last December, Big Hit shared that BTS’ final four band members — RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — are beginning their military enlistment process, following Jin, J-Hope and Suga, who are already enlisted.