Global K-pop sensation BTS has officially announced their highly anticipated return, signaling a new era with plans for a new album slated for spring 2026 and a subsequent world tour. This momentous proclamation was made during a livestream broadcast on the Hybe-owned Weverse platform, marking the group’s first collective interaction in nearly three years and a full return to activity following the completion of all members’ mandatory military service.

The seven-member group convened on Weverse Live for the first time since 2022, radiating an excited energy as they teased their future plans. Their first collective appearance since all members completed military service ignited immense excitement among their devoted fanbase, known as ARMY. It was revealed that BTS will travel to the United States in July 2025 to commence work on their upcoming album. “We’ll be releasing a new BTS album in the spring of next year,” the group stated. “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.” The members emphasized their commitment to approaching this project with the same creative spirit that defined their impactful early work.

Beyond the new album, BTS also unveiled plans for a comprehensive world tour scheduled for 2026. This will be their first large-scale tour since the immensely successful “Permission to Dance on Stage” series, which captivated audiences worldwide and garnered a combined reach of 4 million attendees and viewers through in-person concerts, livestreaming, and other digital experiences. Notably, the “Permission to Dance on Stage” tour included four sold-out shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, making BTS the first act to achieve such a feat. “We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are,” the group shared with their fanbase.

The path to this full-group comeback has been marked by the fulfillment of mandatory military service requirements for all members, a process that saw each member serve their country. The full group reunited in June 2025 at J-Hope’s solo concert finale in Goyang, South Korea, following the discharge of RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook. Suga completed his service as a social work personnel the following week, officially signaling the group’s return to active status. While preparing for their collective comeback, BTS members have continued to pursue individual projects, each achieving significant success. Jin recently concluded his solo tour in Goyang, and J-Hope, fresh off his own solo tour, is scheduled to perform at Lollapalooza Berlin later in July 2025.

The announcement of BTS’s return has been met with overwhelming excitement from fans who have eagerly awaited this moment throughout the two-year enlistment period. Despite the group’s hiatus, each member maintained a strong presence in the music scene with successful solo releases. In October 2022, BTS delivered a monumental free concert, “Yet to Come,” in Busan, South Korea, in support of the city’s bid for the 2030 World Expo, drawing a massive international audience. Shortly after, BigHit Music announced the members’ plans to fulfill their military duties. The recent Weverse livestream announcing their comeback garnered an impressive audience of over 7.3 million real-time viewers, underscoring the enduring power and global appeal of the BTS phenomenon.

The group’s mention of their “early work” during the livestream sparked curiosity about what made those initial years so special. Beginning with their debut in 2013, BTS’s early discography, including albums like “2 Cool 4 Skool” and “O!RUL8,2?”, offered raw and honest accounts of youth, societal pressures, and dreams. Their direct engagement with themes of mental health, education, and social commentary set them apart, resonating deeply with a global audience. This early era was characterized by an autonomous spirit, stemming from their initial smaller company (Big Hit Entertainment), which afforded them unprecedented artistic freedom. Authenticity was paramount, with members actively involved in songwriting, music production, and concept development, fostering a deep connection with fans. Their innovative use of social media, particularly Twitter, built a strong global “ARMY.” Additionally, early tracks featured pronounced hip-hop influences, which, while evolving, provided a robust emotional foundation. This commitment to authentic storytelling and connecting with listeners through sincerity has remained a constant throughout their career and is set to define their new chapter.

As of 2024, BTS has generated an estimated $5 billion for the South Korean economy, highlighting their significant cultural and economic contribution. While specific dates for the album release and tour destinations remain unconfirmed, the announcement has undoubtedly reignited anticipation for the next chapter in the group’s remarkable career. The combination of new music and a global tour promises a reunion filled with excitement and further milestones for BTS and their loyal fanbase.