BTS Return with First Album in Five Years and Announce World Tour

South Korean pop sensation BTS are returning from hiatus with their first studio album in more than five years, accompanied by a global tour. The group composed of RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook, and J-Hope has been on a break for nearly four years, during which members completed their mandatory military service in South Korea. 

Their fifth full-length album is set for release on March 20, 2026, featuring 14 tracks that reflect on the band’s journey together. Following the album release, BTS will embark on their first tour in almost four years, with tour details scheduled to be announced on January 14.

Ahead of the announcement, the band sent handwritten letters to fans of their global fandom, known as the Army, thanking them for their support during the group’s hiatus. Each letter was personally written by a member and delivered to fans’ homes, offering a heartfelt message of gratitude.

Speculation about BTS’s comeback began on New Year’s Day when the band reset their official Instagram account at midnight. The return was officially confirmed by their label, BigHit Music, in a post on X: “March 20th comeback confirmed.”

During the break, members Jimin and Jung Kook hosted a Disney+ travel show called Are You Sure?!, keeping fans engaged while BTS prepared their return.

BTS an acronym for Bangtan Sonyeondan or Beyond the Scene are the best-selling music act in South Korean history, with over 40 million albums sold, and the first non-English speaking group to sell out Wembley Stadium. In the UK, they are known for hits like Butter, Dynamite, and Life Goes On, as well as collaborations with artists including Charli XCX, Coldplay, and Halsey. The group has earned five Grammy nominations, marking them as the first K-pop act to achieve such recognition.

With their upcoming album and world tour, BTS are poised to make a historic return to the global music stage, delighting fans around the world.