BTS is entering its long-awaited new era.
With all seven members having completed their mandatory military service, the group has finalized recording for its upcoming studio album and is accelerating plans for a full-group comeback in March 2026, followed by a massive world tour.
From Reunion to Promise
The comeback foundation was laid in June 2025, immediately after the final members were discharged. BTS pledged unity and a shared creative vision, setting the tone for their return.
Weeks later, the group held a record-breaking Weverse livestream, drawing over 7.3 million real-time viewers. During the broadcast, leader RM announced, “We’ll be releasing a new BTS album in the spring of next year (2026),” confirming work would begin in July. The members emphasized it would be a “group album” reflecting each of their ideas, marking a return to a unified artistic voice after three years of solo projects.
Production and Collaboration
By July and August, BTS had traveled to the United States to focus intensively on choreography, vocal training, and recording. Industry reports confirmed collaborations with global hitmakers Max Martin and Jon Bellion, underscoring the scale of the project and its mainstream ambition.
In late October, RM offered a spoiler, urging fans to “look forward to it at the end of March next year!”—cementing the comeback timeline.
Album Completion and Member Updates
November brought the most definitive milestone. On November 1, Jimin announced via livestream, “Everyone, we finished recording… It can come out next spring.” RM later assured fans on Weverse that the music is “coming out really well!”
Market Impact and Predictions
The March 2026 comeback is expected to be a landmark event for K-pop and South Korea’s economy. Analysts predict BTS’s return will boost HYBE Co.’s stock and contribute significantly to national growth, as the group previously generated about 0.2% of South Korea’s GDP annually.
Rumors suggest the Spring 2026 World Tour could exceed 65 dates worldwide, making it their most ambitious concert series since 2019 and reaffirming their status as the world’s leading touring act.
Experts anticipate the album will serve as an “emotional homecoming,” blending the matured styles each member honed during solo careers into a cohesive, possibly more adult-contemporary sound.