BTS Is Coming Back.

January 2026: K-pop powerhouse group BTS (short for Bangtan Sonyeondan, literally “Bulletproof Boy Scouts” in Korean) have announced a new album and world tour, ending, a nearly four-year hiatus and jolting the K-pop industry. The boy band, which paused group activities in 2022 for its members’ mandatory military service, helped shepherd a global boom for the multibillion-dollar Korean entertainment sector.

“March 20 Comeback Confirmed”, the K-pop group’s agency Big Hit Music said in a post on 01st January 2026, marking the boy band’s first studio album since 2020’s Be. Before the official confirmation, the 07 members teased their return in handwritten notes sent to some special fans to celebrate the New Year. In the messages, they hinted at being reunited soon with their loyal ARMY fanbase, cryptically writing the date March 20, 2026.

“We’ve waited more earnestly than anyone else”, RM wrote. “The year we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived,” Jimin added. “In 2026, we’ll make even-more-good memories, so look forward to it!” V said. The band has been back in the studio together working since July, promising an album that will “reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas”.

“We’re approaching the album with the same mindset we had when we first started”, BTS said in a statement last year. “We’re also planning a world tour alongside the new album. We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are”.

This letter is a gift for ARMY who have maintained their membership in the global superfan platform Weverse for the past three years and have made memories with BTS. Members who were unable to receive the physical letter can receive the same message on Weverse at the end of January. It was prepared so that all domestic and international fans who have waited with us can share the hearts of the seven members.

On the last day of 2025, BTS welcomed the new year with their fans through a live broadcast on Weverse with all members. They looked back on the past year and shared their wishes for the new year. They said, “I hope we can make a safe comeback this year and have a successful album. Let’s make BTS a huge success.”

Meanwhile, BTS will be releasing their new album on March 20th and embarking on a large-scale world tour. More information about the new album and concerts will be revealed later on their official channels.

During this meantime since their break, the members of BTS completed South Korea’s mandatory military service and pursued solo projects. Jimin and Jung Kook teamed up for the Disney+ series Are You Sure?!, with the second season airing in December; Jin premiered a concert film about his debut solo tour last month; and V was tapped to be the first brand ambassador for Korean beauty brand, TIRTIR.

BTS is estimated to have generated 0.2% of South Korea’s GDP before the break. The group’s return will inject revenue and energy into K-pop. According to the government-backed Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, BTS generated over 5.5 trillion won ($3.8 billion) in South Korea per year before their hiatus, which is an equivalent to around 0.2% of the country’s total GDP.

Team Maverick.