BTS announce full group return alongside new album and world tour

BTS have officially announced their return in 2026, confirming plans for a brand new album alongside a global world tour.

“March 20 comeback confirmed,” the K pop group’s agency Big Hit Music shared in a fresh post on X, confirming their first studio album since 2020’s ‘Be’ and their first new release since the anthology project ‘Proof’ arrived in 2022.

Before the announcement was made public, all seven members dropped hints about their reunion through handwritten letters sent to fans to mark the New Year. In the notes, they teased an upcoming reunion with their devoted ARMY fanbase and subtly pointed to the date March 20, 2026.

“We’ve waited more earnestly than anyone else,” RM wrote. “The year we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived,” Jimin added. “In 2026, we’ll make even more good memories, so look forward to it!” V shared.

The group have been working together in the studio since last July and have promised that the upcoming album will “reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas.” Plans for a world tour have also been confirmed.

BTS also welcomed the New Year alongside fans with a full group Weverse livestream on New Year’s Eve December 31. Reflecting on the year behind them, the members spoke about their hopes moving forward, saying: “We hope to make a safe comeback this year and that the album does well. Let’s make BTS a huge success.”

The K pop phenomenon reunited last July for the first time since 2022, following the completion of mandatory military service by all seven members in South Korea. During a special livestream, BTS confirmed long running speculation that new music was officially on the way.

“We’ll be releasing a new BTS album in the spring of next year. 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,” BTS said at the time.

“We’re also planning a world tour alongside the new album,” they continued. “We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are.”

Last October, RM hinted that the group had a clear schedule in place for their comeback, saying: “We have to keep preparing for the album — we’ll shoot the album photos and film the music video. Please look forward to late March.”

BTS initially announced a hiatus in 2022 to allow members to focus on solo projects while also completing their required military service.