Their reunion? It’s smooth like butter. The K-pop septet BTS will return in spring 2026 with a new album and world tour. Members Jin, RM, V, Jimin, J-Hope, Jung Kook, and Suga made the announcement Tuesday during a livestream on Weverse, an online fan platform owned by BTS management company Hybe. It was the first time all seven members have broadcast live together since September 2022.
“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,” the band said in a statement. “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.” According to a press release, the band will be in the United States this month to begin working on new music.
The Return of a Global Phenomenon
The 2026 album will mark their first since 2022’s anthology, “Proof,” their 2021 Japanese compilation album “BTS, the Best,” and their last studio album, “Be,” released in 2020. They also announced a world tour, their first in nearly four years. The news arrives a few weeks after BTS superstars RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook were discharged from South Korea’s military after fulfilling their mandatory service.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18-21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea. Six of the group’s seven members served in the army, while Suga, the last to return, fulfilled his duty as a social service agent, an alternative to military service. Jin, the oldest BTS member, was discharged in June 2024. J-Hope was discharged in October.
Military Service and the K-pop Industry
South Korea’s law gives special exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and are assessed to have enhanced national prestige. K-pop stars and other entertainers aren’t subject to such privileges. However, in 2020, BTS postponed their service after South Korea’s National Assembly revised its Military Service Act, allowing K-pop stars to delay their enlistment until age 30.
The announcement comes as a significant relief to fans worldwide who have eagerly awaited the group’s return. The members’ military service had been a topic of intense discussion both domestically and internationally, highlighting the intersection of cultural influence and national duty.
Implications for the Music Industry
BTS’s return is expected to have a substantial impact on the global music industry. Their previous albums have broken numerous records, and their concerts have drawn millions of fans worldwide. The upcoming album and tour are anticipated to further cement their status as global icons.
According to music industry analyst Kim Ji-hoon, “BTS has consistently set the bar for what it means to be a global music phenomenon. Their ability to blend different music styles while maintaining a strong connection with their fanbase is unparalleled.”
“BTS has consistently set the bar for what it means to be a global music phenomenon.” — Kim Ji-hoon, Music Industry Analyst
Meanwhile, the group’s management company, Hybe, is expected to leverage this momentum to expand its influence in the entertainment industry, potentially exploring new markets and collaborations.
Looking Ahead: What Fans Can Expect
As BTS prepares for their comeback, fans are already speculating about the themes and styles the new album might explore. Given the members’ individual growth during their hiatus, the album is expected to showcase a blend of personal experiences and collective creativity.
The world tour, set to follow the album release, promises to be a major event, with fans across continents eagerly awaiting the chance to see their idols live. The tour is likely to include stops in major cities across North America, Europe, and Asia, reflecting BTS’s broad international appeal.
In conclusion, BTS’s announcement marks a new chapter not only for the band but also for the global music scene. As they return to the spotlight, both the industry and fans are poised for what promises to be an exciting and transformative era in K-pop history.