NEW YORK (AP) – Major announcements have surfaced regarding the much-anticipated comeback of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS. According to a message released by their entertainment company, BigHit Music, the group is set to make their return on March 20, 2026, after a nearly four-year hiatus. This marks a significant moment for fans eagerly awaiting the group's activation following the conclusion of their military obligations.
All seven members of BTS, including RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook, and j-hope, have successfully completed South Korea's mandatory military service. Rapper Suga was the last member to finish his service, having been released in June 2025 from his duties as a social service agent. This alternative option was reportedly due to a shoulder injury he sustained during his service period. The six other members, notably RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin, and j-hope, completed their military commitments directly in the armed forces.
The enlistment strategy employed by BTS allowed members to balance their group identity with their individual careers. During this hiatus, each member focused on solo projects, keeping their artistic presence alive in the industry. Last summer, the group teased a world tour and confirmed that a new album would be released in spring 2026, which they planned to work on starting in July 2025.
In a statement, the group expressed their excitement surrounding the forthcoming album, emphasizing that it would encapsulate the thoughts and ideas of each member. They plan to approach this album with the same initial mindset they held when they first embarked on their careers. This upcoming 2026 release will be their first since the anthology album “Proof,” which was unveiled in 2022, as well as their compilation album “BTS, the Best,” released in 2021, and their last studio album, “Be,” which came out in 2020.
As BTS gears up for their significant comeback with a new album and potential world tour, their dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY, eagerly anticipates the fresh music and performances that will mark a new era for the group. The announcement of March 20, 2026, as the official comeback date serves as a beacon of hope and excitement not only for BTS but also for the K-pop landscape as a whole.
