Is One Direction’s Hiatus Really Just a Hiatus, or a Permanent Break?

One+Direction+performing+on+Good+Morning+Americas+40+for+40+special+on+November+17th%2C+2016.

One Direction performing on Good Morning America’s 40 for 40 special on November 17th, 2016.

To the dismay of many a teenager across the world, One Direction announced their 18-month hiatus in December. After performing their last few scheduled shows, the four-piece band took a well-deserved break from constant touring, writing and recording hit albums and songs, and doing press tour after press tour. But is this hiatus really only a break, or will it never end?

According to a representative from E! News, “They are taking a hiatus so they can work on individual projects for a while but they are not splitting up. They will remain together and plan to work together in the future.” This statement makes it seem like the break will last a while, but that the boys will eventually come back together.

This news came just months after Zayn Malik left the band, giving a small message containing a promise to make new music on his own. Since then, Malik has signed a record deal and done multiple interviews with various publications, including Billboard, even teasing a small clip of his own song titled “BEFOUR.” None of the other current members of One Direction have released any of their own music except Liam Payne, who just days ago posted a clip of his own solo song that is currently untitled on his Instagram. Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, the remaining members, haven’t made any hints towards developing their solo careers but are expected to do so soon. While there are no more apparent plans from any of the boys to jump start their own projects, their newly discovered independence may prove to be better for them than rejoining the band.

Zayn Malik, one of the former members of One Direction, poses for Billboard Magazine.
Miller Mobley for Billboard MagazIne
Zayn Malik, one of the former members of One Direction, poses for Billboard Magazine.

Despite their endeavors as solo artists, the band continues to reassure fans that they’re still friendly and likely to make music together again in the future. “They are great friends and fully support one another,” a source close the band for E! News shared with the publication. “They are very aware that they are able to work on their own stuff as well as remain together. This is an exciting time for them creatively and as a group.”

Regardless of whether or not they do come back, the band has made a huge impact on popular culture and the lives of teenagers across the world. They have completely revolutionized the music industry, and whether or not they come back can’t change that.