# Fri(end)s
**Fri(end)s** (stylized **FRI(END)S**) is a digital single by the South Korean singer **V** (뷔, Kim Taehyung) of the group BTS (방탄소년단), released on March 15, 2024 by BigHit Music[1](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240315002600315) • [2](https://bts.ibighit.com/kor/discography/v/detail/friends/). It was V's first solo project since his debut solo album *Layover* (September 2023), and it was written entirely in English[1](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240315002600315).
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Artist | V (Kim Taehyung) of BTS, following his debut solo album *Layover* (2023)[1](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240315002600315) |
| Release | Digital single, March 15, 2024, BigHit Music[1](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240315002600315) • [3](https://bts-official.jp/discography/7908095569d2?categoryId=65&page=2) |
| Genre and language | Pop soul R&B, sung entirely in English[1](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240315002600315) • [2](https://bts.ibighit.com/kor/discography/v/detail/friends/) |
| Length | 2 minutes 29 seconds[4](https://d.namu.moe/w/FRI%28END%29S) |
| Songwriters | Connor McDonough, Riley McDonough, Ori Rose, CASTLE, salem ilese, Melanie Joy Fontana, and Michel "Lindgren" Schulz[4](https://d.namu.moe/w/FRI%28END%29S) |
| Other versions | Instrumental, sped-up, and slowed-down versions[5](https://www.universalmusic.com.br/2024/03/15/querendo-elevar-o-relacionamento-a-outro-patamar-o-astro-de-k-pop-v-do-bts-lanca-o-single-friends/) |
## Song and theme
The song is a love song about confessing romantic feelings to a friend, which BigHit Music described as a sweet "confession song" suited to pink-tinted spring[1](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240315002600315) • [2](https://bts.ibighit.com/kor/discography/v/detail/friends/). The title plays on the word "end" contained within "friends": the lyrics wish to end the friendship and take the relationship to the next level, becoming "more than friends"[5](https://www.universalmusic.com.br/2024/03/15/querendo-elevar-o-relacionamento-a-outro-patamar-o-astro-de-k-pop-v-do-bts-lanca-o-single-friends/). The closing line, "Let's put the end in Friends," crystallizes this wordplay[6](https://www.bts-armyfrance.fr/articles/amour-amitie-v-croisee-sentiments-friends/).
V said he prepared the song while looking for music to share with fans, adding, "It's a charming song, so I believe ARMY will like it too"[1](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240315002600315). He had prepared the release before beginning his mandatory military service in December 2023[1](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240315002600315).
## Music and vocals
BigHit Music's release notes describe V moving between his low register and falsetto to fill out the song, with a choir in the latter half driving it to a climax with intense energy[2](https://bts.ibighit.com/kor/discography/v/detail/friends/). Universal Music Brasil's announcement characterizes it as a soul, R&B/pop love song with bass and choir vocals and V's characteristically low vocal tone, with a confessional lyrical tone like a conversation from one "friend" to another[5](https://www.universalmusic.com.br/2024/03/15/querendo-elevar-o-relacionamento-a-outro-patamar-o-astro-de-k-pop-v-do-bts-lanca-o-single-friends/).
## Music video and promotion
The music video was released simultaneously with the song. V plays the protagonist in two contrasting situations, one depicting him single and the other as part of a couple[1](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240315002600315). The video was filmed in London[6](https://www.bts-armyfrance.fr/articles/amour-amitie-v-croisee-sentiments-friends/).
Promotion began with a short film in which each sequence formed the word "end", followed by teaser images showing V slumped at a table over cold noodles, which led fans to expect a breakup song[6](https://www.bts-armyfrance.fr/articles/amour-amitie-v-croisee-sentiments-friends/). A live performance of the song was later published on the W Korea channel in partnership with the fashion house Cartier, of which V is an ambassador[6](https://www.bts-armyfrance.fr/articles/amour-amitie-v-croisee-sentiments-friends/).
## Reception
The Bias List review scored the song 7 out of 10 with a grade of C-, noting that it is sung entirely in English with slightly more generic radio appeal and describing its muted sound palette as a natural offshoot of *Layover*[7](https://thebiaslist.com/2024/03/14/song-review-v-bts-friends/).
## References
1. [BTS' V unleashes new solo song 'FRI(END)S', Yonhap News Agency, March 15, 2024](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240315002600315)
2. [FRI(END)S | V | BIGHIT MUSIC official discography page](https://bts.ibighit.com/kor/discography/v/detail/friends/)
3. [V Digital Single 'FRI(END)S', BTS Japan Official Site discography](https://bts-official.jp/discography/7908095569d2?categoryId=65&page=2)
4. [FRI(END)S, Namu wiki](https://d.namu.moe/w/FRI%28END%29S)
5. [Universal Music Brasil: V, do BTS, lança o single "FRI(END)S", March 15, 2024](https://www.universalmusic.com.br/2024/03/15/querendo-elevar-o-relacionamento-a-outro-patamar-o-astro-de-k-pop-v-do-bts-lanca-o-single-friends/)
6. [Amour, amitié : V à la croisée des sentiments dans Fri(end)s, BTS ARMY France](https://www.bts-armyfrance.fr/articles/amour-amitie-v-croisee-sentiments-friends/)
7. [Song Review: V (BTS) – FRI(END)S, The Bias List, March 14, 2024](https://thebiaslist.com/2024/03/14/song-review-v-bts-friends/)
---
*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Music › Musical works and recordings › Albums and recorded releases › Singles as releases*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Oct 11, 2026; Oct 15, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license