K-pop supergroup BTS has officially confirmed their highly anticipated return in 2026, announcing plans for a new group album and a comprehensive world tour. This momentous revelation came during their first collective WeVerse livestream in nearly three years, a reunion that saw all seven members – RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – together once more, much to the delight of their global fanbase, ARMY.

The upcoming album, set for release in spring 2026, will mark BTS’s first full-length studio album since their 2020 chart-topper, “Be.” The members shared their collective enthusiasm, stating, “Starting in July, all seven of us will begin working closely together on new music. Since it will be a group album, it will reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas. We’re approaching the album with the same mindset we had when we first started.” The group also revealed plans to base their new music production in the United States, underscoring their global aspirations for the comeback. This new release is expected to build on their legacy, which includes hits like “Dynamite” and “Life Goes On” from their previous works.

Alongside the new album, BTS will embark on a world tour, their first since the successful “Permission to Dance on Stage” tour in 2021-2022. The band expressed their excitement about reconnecting with fans worldwide, fulfilling a long-held anticipation within the ARMY community. The tour dates and specific locations are yet to be announced, but the promise of an international trek has already ignited fervor among their dedicated followers.

The return follows an extended hiatus announced in March 2022, during which all members fulfilled their mandatory 18-month military service in South Korea. Jin was the first to enlist in December 2022 and was discharged in June 2025. J-Hope was discharged in October 2024, reflecting that the time away was “invaluable” and deeply influenced his creative process. RM, V, Jungkook, and Jimin completed their service in early June 2025, with Suga, the final member, being discharged just days later, on June 21, 2025. Suga reflected on his time, stating it allowed him to “think about myself” and gain perspective, expressing gratitude to fans for their patience. The members staggered their enlistment to minimize the collective downtime, ensuring no more than a six-month period when all were unavailable.

The July 1, 2025 WeVerse livestream, which served as the official announcement platform, attracted over 7.3 million real-time viewers, showcasing the immense global anticipation. Fans instantly took to social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the first “OT7” (all seven members) selca in years and express their joy over the upcoming music and tour. Despite the hiatus, the members’ close bond and chaotic, humorous interactions during the live stream reassured fans that the group’s dynamic remains unchanged.

Leading up to this reunion, individual members had been active with solo endeavors and teasing remarks. J-Hope completed a solo world tour and is set to headline Lollapalooza Berlin on July 13, 2025. Jin’s solo concert, RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR, also featured surprise appearances from three other members, keeping fan hopes alive. In earlier interviews, J-Hope hinted at “massive energy” for the band’s next steps, while Jimin expressed his eagerness to honor his bandmates upon their return from service. This highly anticipated reunion marks a significant moment for BTS, signaling a new chapter for the group that has consistently shattered records and paved the way for Korean artists on the global stage since their debut in 2013.