Suga Talks About Why BTS Will Stay Together Forever, Hip-Hop Heroes, and More | Cover Story

Why It Matters

Suga’s insights reveal BTS’s strategic shift toward longevity and artistic renewal, signaling how the world’s top K‑pop act plans to sustain relevance and profitability in a rapidly evolving music market.

Key Takeaways

• Suga feels healthier now that BTS members prioritize well‑being over competition.
• He completed the Agust D trilogy, calling it an emotional exorcism.
• BTS aims for fresh sounds; Diplo’s production shaped the new album’s flow.
• Suga cites Eminem and Kendrick Lamar as his ultimate MC inspirations.
• He believes BTS can stay together into their 70s if will persists.

Summary

In a Rolling Stone Cover Story interview, BTS’s Suga reflected on the group’s evolution, his solo work, and future ambitions. He explained that after years of intense competition, the members now prioritize physical and emotional health, allowing them to enjoy the creative process more fully. The conversation also covered the conclusion of his Agust D trilogy, which he described as an exorcism that cleared lingering negative emotions.

Suga detailed the production of BTS’s latest album, emphasizing a deliberate shift toward a sound the group has never attempted before. He praised Diplo’s role in structuring the record, noting the producer’s K‑pop experience and ability to balance diverse opinions. The artist also recounted writing “Into the Sun” outdoors, highlighting a simplified workflow that relies on a notebook and pen rather than elaborate studio setups.

When asked about his hip‑hop influences, Suga named Eminem and Kendrick Lamar as the greatest MCs, and lamented the current stagnation in U.S. rap while remaining optimistic about an upcoming resurgence. He underscored BTS’s unique chemistry, describing the members as family who have survived “hell and high water,” a bond he believes is central to their sustained success.

Looking ahead, Suga expressed confidence that BTS can continue together well into their seventies, provided the collective will remains strong. While the exact format of the next release remains uncertain—single, mini‑album, or full album—the group intends to stay adaptable amid rapidly shifting music trends, ensuring they remain relevant while preserving their artistic integrity.

Original Description

For Rolling Stone's eight-part May 2026 cover-story package, the seven members of @BTS met up in Seoul, South Korea in mid-February to talk with senior writer Brian Hiatt, both individually and as a group. In this solo interview, #suga talks about wrapping up his #agustd trilogy, his top MCs of all time, the secret to #bts success, and much more. #btsarmy #sugabts

Suga on being a good fit for BTS: "I was making music in Daegu before I came up to Seoul, and back then I didn't really understand idol groups. But then once I joined one … I learned that it's a lot of work, it gets super busy, and it's not easy at all. Now that I'm used to it, I think I'm actually a good fit for this job."

Suga on the state of American hip-hop: "Things may seem stagnant at the moment, but before you know it, hip-hop will rise in the charts again. I feel like it's in a transitional period. It's true that hip-hop is a bit stuck right now, but it will surely come back."

Suga on BTS' goal now that they're back: "We should enjoy ourselves. Before, we were way too … competitive, I guess? I feel like, in the rush to achieve our goals, we didn't care so much about our physical and emotional health. But now we can relax a little, especially since we're all older."

Suga on BTS' secret to success: "They're just really funny. It's fun to be around them. And since we've gone through hell and high water together … They feel a bit like comrades, and I think of them as family."

Suga on performing with BTS into old age: "As long as we have the will, I believe we can keep going in our seventies and eighties. I'm not sure if we can perform in the same way we do now, but still. We could find a different method. So as long as we have the will, I don't think there will be any problem."

Read the Rolling Stone interview with Suga here: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/suga-bts-interview-arirang-hip-hop-1235544824/

ON SALE NOW: 'BTS: The Cover Collection' brings all 8 covers together in one set, the best way to secure the full collection. Tap to shop, while supplies last: https://shop.rollingstone.com/

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Talent — Suga

Interviewer & Senior Writer — Brian Hiatt

Director of Social & Video — Waiss Aramesh

Executive Producer & Shoot Director — Christopher Hwisu Kim

Senior Producer — Viviane Feldman

Producer & Colorist — Mitch Saavedra

Social Video Producer/Editor — Sim Tumay

Moktan Productions

Video Director of Photography — Mike Beech

Gaffer and Camera Operator — Wonman Kim

Camera Operators — Byeong Hwi Min, Churl Gwon, Hyunsuh Paik

DIT — Jiwoon Lee

Sound Operator — Min Jae Lee

Production Assistant — Seohyun Yoon

Nuhana

Executive Producer — Sooh Hwang

Producer — Sebin Park

Line Producer — Cherry Lee

Translators Alex M. Lee, Sungbin Moon

Creative Director — Joe Hutchinson

Executive Music Editor — Christian Hoard

Editors in Chief — Sean Woods & Shirley Halperin

CEO — Julian Holguin

https://www.youtube.com/user/rollingstone