At its core, K-pop is an industry in which entertainment companies represent capital while idols are the labor force, and the fundamental rule of capital is to maximize value extracted from labor. This reality is already harsh, but it becomes even more extreme in the entertainment industry—where falling behind by even a single second can mean losing countless opportunities, while an idol's career span is inherently limited. Even BTS—the most successful group in K-pop history—is no exception.

However, compared with other idol groups in general and even other artists under HYBE in particular, BTS occupies a position that goes beyond the typical relationship between capital and labor. After all, they transformed BigHit from a small company with only around 20 employees and enormous debt into one of the world's leading entertainment empires. Bang Si Hyuk himself has acknowledged BTS's unique status, even granting them unprecedented benefits such as personally giving up a portion of his own shares to distribute to the members.

And in the recently released BTS Dinner Party 2.0, BTS revealed even more preferential changes the label has made for the group after their military discharge, showing that the members' health and quality of life are now being prioritized far more than before!

Specifically, j-hope was the one who opened the discussion by sharing: "So what I've been thinking lately is why was it so hard back then... I think about that a lot. It feels like we're touring in such a healthy way now." Jimin immediately pointed out the biggest reason: "We had no time to rest." However, j-hope and SUGA slightly corrected that statement. According to them, they technically did have time to rest—but in reality, it was only enough time to sleep.

V also recalled that back then, outside of performances, they barely knew how to make use of their remaining time because, in truth, there was no time to make use of. When RM asked what they even did in those days, Jimin immediately answered: "We slept!" He explained that even on their days off, they still had shows and interviews scheduled. j-hope added that during many periods, they also had to squeeze in work on new albums.

SUGA brought up the 2019 tour to refresh RM's memory: "During that tour, we worked on our 'MAP OF THE SOUL : 7' album." Jimin also confirmed: "Right, you guys were writing lyrics." SUGA then continued, "We really kept working at the hotel in 2019," leaving fans heartbroken over how packed and demanding the members' schedules were at the time.

Now, however, BigHit and BTS have arranged their schedules in a way that allows them to enjoy both work and life much more. V shared: "But now, outside of the performances these little memories and moments like this - I feel like we're really trying to make the most of them," a sentiment that the other members agreed with. Meanwhile, Jimin pointed out that he had repeatedly suggested, "We should make this tour more relaxed," especially for the rap line.

j-hope admitted that their current schedule is much more comfortable, particularly for RM and V, who struggle the most with being away from home. V nodded and affirmed: "I feel like I'm going to get pretty healthy." Jimin then described their current lifestyle: "We just rest all day on our days off and these days, we eat dinner together. I really like that." Afterwards, j-hope further explained that time now seems to pαѕѕ more slowly for him—not because life is difficult, but because it is no longer so chaotic. He recalled that in the past everything happened at such a frantic pace: they would go on tour, and before they knew it, they were already back in кσяєα.

BTS now has time to truly enjoy every destination on their world tour. The members have days off to play golf, pickleball, visit tourist attractions, enjoy local specialties, and even ride motorcycles at the famous Spring Mountain racetrack in Las Vegas or drive Lamborghini supercars through the streets of Tampa. The memories they keep are no longer limited to the stage and ARMY's cheers, but also include the local culture, the people, and everyday experiences. The members can now vividly remember many details from each city they visit, such as the mountains, the ramen in El Paso, the Viking ship in Tampa, and the pizza in Stanford.

Another benefit from the label that BTS also mentioned during the conversation is the shift from staying in hotels to staying in villas, where they have much more spacious, private, and peaceful environments in which they can rest or work comfortably. Looking at the videos from the Normal Log series released a few days ago or the BTS documentary filmed during the two months the group spent in Los Angeles producing the ARIRANG album, fans can also notice this change.

In addition, after BTS resumed group activities following their military discharge, fans discovered several significant upgrades that BigHit has provided for them. Whereas the group used to travel together in Hyundai or Kia vans for well over a decade, they are now transported in separate Bentley or Mercedes vehicles. Even when they share a vehicle, there are usually no more than two or three members in one car instead of the entire group. Meanwhile, each member now has an individual manager, allowing for more specific and attentive support tailored to each idol's schedules.

For ARMY, who have witnessed the group’s grueling schedules and silent sacrifices over the past decade, these honest confessions of BTS brings an overwhelming sense of relief. On the other hand, this treatment is well-deserved, perfectly matching what BTS has dedicated to their label and their current legendary status. As Lee Hyun once said: "If I was in BTS, I’d ask my agency to get me a throne"!