After their self-imposed, extended hiatus, K-pop sensation BTS has finally made it official – they are coming back. The legendary band announced posting plans for a new album and new world tour-HERE. This thrilling announcement connects with all seven members’ first full reunion on Weverse — a live-streaming video platform popular with fans. It’ll be their first joint performance at the Grammy Awards since September 2022, and fans couldn’t be happier!
To the excitement of ARMY, Jin, RM, V, Jimin, J-Hope, Jung Kook, and Suga took to the airwaves to declare. They have all recently returned from a period of mandatory military service. Jin was discharged in June 2024, with J-Hope following him out the door in October. As it stands today, RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook have all fulfilled their obligations to South Korea’s mandatory military service. This service would be mandatory for all able-bodied men ages 18 to 28, serving from 18 to 21 months. Suga fulfilled this obligation through service as a social service agent, a civilian alternative to Japan’s military conscription law.
BTS’s forthcoming album will be their first since the anthology “Proof” in 2022. It will be their first studio album since “Be,” which topped the Billboard 200 back in 2020. The collaborative hopes to drop this new full-length in spring of 2026.
In the livestream, BTS stated, “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 members were really excited by the collaborative aspect of the project. They think it will promote their unique creativity and artistry.
“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
Following the revisions to South Korea’s Military Service Act in 2020, which allowed K-pop stars to postpone enlistment until age 30, BTS delayed their service but ultimately embraced their duties. From an industry standpoint, this timing will set them up to reemerge to the music scene with a fresh perspective and more innovative ideas.
BTS is preparing for their return! To do so, they intend to start the creation of the new album here in the United States, signaling a thrilling shift in their sound and collaboration.
