Cartier ambassador & BTS member V set to release debut solo work ‘Layover’ in September + tracklisting

Don’t say that HYBE Corporation isn’t prepared when members of one of their biggest crossover successes, BTS, enlist for their mandatory military service in South Korea. No sooner has Suga enlisted after this D-DAY THE FINAL series of shows in Seoul over the weekend, than another member is set to release their debut album - V (Kim Taehyung).

Originally reported by (the incomparable) Soompi, “Layover” is set to be released in Korea on September 8 2023 at 1pm KST and looks to be the rumoured work V was set to be collaborating with K-Pop producer to the stars on, ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin (who recently had Billboard success with NewJeans.)

Though a teaser was shared on Instagram through BIG HIT MUSIC’s account, the bulk of the information was posted to BTS’s WeVerse page, including the track listing for the forthcoming work. “Hello. This is BIGHIT MUSIC. We are excited to share more details about the release of BTS member V’s solo album Layover.”

“Layover consists of six tracks in total – five tracks and a bonus track. To fully appreciate the album’s flow, we recommend listening to it in sequence from start to finish. “Rainy Days”

[is a] this track, V’s voice melds beautifully with the sound of rain and everyday white noises, tugging at the listeners’ heartstrings.”

“Blue” [is a homage to old-school R&B with a modern twist, adding a special flair to the song. “Love Me Again” [will be] a light and captivating R&B track with an alluring vibe that lingers long. V’s signature baritone shines through in this track.“Slow Dancing” - the focus track of this album, a ‘70s romantic soul style track that exudes a laid-back and free-spirited feeling, just as the title suggests.”

“For Us” [is] a pop R&B track that leaves a lasting impression on the entire album. It serves as an epilogue, stirring up deep emotions with V’s vocals and unique lyrics. “Slow Dancing (Piano Ver.)” [will be] a piano arrangement of the focus track “Slow Dancing,” which offers a different allure from the original as a bonus track”

The statement also discussed that five separate music videos will be made for the five tracks, though no official release date for those videos - yet. Given that it’s only a month today until its release date, we’d imagine it’s sooner rather than later. 

The statement finished by stating that  “V will showcase amazing new performances and make various appearances alongside the album’s release. Please stay tuned and continue to support V as he embarks on his new solo journey.”

The attention on V will certainly be good news for renowned French luxury jeweller Cartier, who signed the K-Pop star as their latest global ambassador last month. First published in ELLE Singapore, the singer will also be the face of the brand’s new latest Panthère de Cartier campaign, as part of their new partnership.

V’s new Cartier ambassadorship is his second for a luxury brand, following his partnership with Celine in March 2023. He joins fellow BTS members that have been snapped up by fashion houses -  Jimin was named Tiffany & Co.’s newest ambassador,  RM was previously welcomed to the Bottega Veneta “family” by the brand’s creative director Matthieu Blazy and Jungkook became the newest global ambassador for Calvin Klein.