BTS, the globally acclaimed K-pop sensation, has officially announced its return following a lengthy hiatus. During a live stream on Tuesday—marking their first group appearance since completing mandatory military service—the band revealed plans for a new album and a global tour. Jimin greeted fans with the words, “Hey guys, we are back,” confirming that BTS will begin work on their upcoming album later this month in the United States. The album is slated for release in spring 2026, rekindling excitement among millions of fans worldwide.
BTS Returns With New Album and Global Tour After Completing Military Service Duties
The upcoming album marks BTS’s first full-length group project since 2020. The band also confirmed plans for a world tour to accompany the album release—their first since the Permission to Dance on Stage tour in 2022. “We’ll be visiting fans all around the world,” BTS shared, signaling a global schedule designed to reconnect with their devoted fan base, the ARMY.
The group noted that the new music will showcase each member’s unique perspective while channeling the collaborative energy that shaped their early career.
BTS Reunites for 2026 Album and World Tour After Completing Military ServiceBTS’s comeback follows the successful completion of South Korea’s mandatory military service by all seven members. This legal requirement had led to a temporary halt in the group’s activities at the peak of their fame in 2022. Members Jungkook and Jimin were among the last to be discharged in June, with Suga completing his service just last month. Their staggered enlistment allowed fans to experience solo projects during the group’s hiatus, minimizing the length of time all members were inactive simultaneously.
Solo Projects Sustained BTS’s Momentum and Fueled Anticipation for Their Triumphant Return
During the group’s pause, individual members explored solo ventures. J-Hope, for instance, completed his own world tour and is set to headline Lollapalooza Berlin on July 13. These solo activities kept the ARMY engaged while building anticipation for the group’s reunion. Despite being apart, BTS maintained a strong presence in the music industry, with members contributing to music, live events, and various cultural projects on their own.
Formed in 2010 and debuting in 2013, BTS has become the most successful K-pop band in history. They were the world’s best-selling music artists in both 2020 and 2021, earning six number-one albums and singles in the U.S. alone. Their upcoming album and tour are expected to not only reignite their momentum but also expand their influence across global music markets. With all members back and working together, BTS’s next chapter is poised to be another landmark era in their extraordinary journey.