The globally celebrated K-pop group BTS has officially announced their highly anticipated return in spring 2026 with a new album and a world tour. The announcement comes after a break taken by the members due to mandatory military service in South Korea, which all eligible men under 30 must complete, particularly in light of regional tensions.
With five of the seven members having completed their military service in June, excitement is building within the music industry and among fans in anticipation of BTS’s comeback. During a live chat on their fan platform, Weverse, band leader RM shared, “Starting in July, we’re planning to make something massive, so from this month, we’ll probably gather together and stay focused on making music.” He confirmed that the new group album is officially set for release in the upcoming spring, and expressed their enthusiasm for their global tour, inviting fans to look forward to their performances.
This forthcoming album will mark their first release in four years since “Proof,” which was recognized as the best-selling album of 2022 in South Korea, boasting approximately 3.5 million copies sold. BTS’s impact goes beyond music, having generated an estimated economic contribution of over 5.5 trillion won (around $4 billion) per year before their hiatus, accounting for a notable 0.2% of South Korea’s total GDP, as reported by the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.
Additionally, BTS continues to break records in the music industry, holding the title of the most-streamed group on Spotify. They were also the first K-pop act to lead both the Billboard 200 and Billboard Artist 100 charts in the United States, cementing their status as global music icons.
As fans eagerly await the band’s return, there is a palpable sense of excitement about their forthcoming projects, highlighting the group’s resilience and enduring connection with their audience. The prospects of fresh music and performances hint at a promising new chapter for BTS and their followers worldwide.