GLOBAL K-pop sensation BTS is officially ending their group hiatus, announcing plans for a new album and a world tour set for 2026.
The seven-member group — Jin, RM, V, Jimin, J-Hope, Jung Kook, and Suga — made the much-anticipated announcement during a live broadcast on Tuesday on Weverse, the fan platform operated by their management agency HYBE. It marked their first group livestream since 2022.
“We’ll be releasing a new BTS album in spring next year. Starting in July, all seven of us will begin working together on the music,” the group said in a statement. “It will be a true group effort, reflecting our individual thoughts and ideas. We’re approaching this album just like we did when we were starting out.”
HYBE confirmed that the band will travel to the U.S. this month to begin production for the album, their first full-group release since their 2022 compilation album Proof. Their last studio album, BE, was released in 2020.
The band also confirmed a world tour, their first since 2019, set to follow the album’s release.
This comeback announcement follows the recent return of BTS members RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook from their mandatory military service in South Korea.
The group had been on hiatus as members fulfilled their national duties. Jin, the eldest, was discharged in June 2024, followed by J-Hope in October.
Suga completed his service as a social service agent, an alternative form of duty, and was the last member to return.
In South Korea, men aged 18 to 28 are required to serve 18 to 21 months in the military. While athletes and classical artists may receive service exemptions, K-pop idols are not typically included.
However, a 2020 revision to South Korea’s Military Service Act allowed BTS members to defer enlistment until the age of 30, citing their contributions to national prestige.
With all seven members now reunited, fans can expect a long-awaited return to the global stage for one of the most influential musical acts of the decade.