BTS is back: New album and world tour coming in 2026

San Francisco Chronicle​

a day ago

After a three-year hiatus marked by military service and solo ventures, global K-pop phenomenon BTS plans to reunite with a new album and world tour next spring that will likely bring the band back to the Bay Area.
All seven members — Jin, RM, V, Jimin, J-Hope, Jungkook and Suga — appeared together for the first time since 2022 in a livestream on Tuesday, July 1, on the fan platform Weverse to reveal their long-awaited return.
'Starting in July, all seven of us will begin working closely together on new music,' the band said in a statement. 'Since it will be a group album, it will reflect each member's thoughts and ideas. We're approaching the album with the same mindset we had when we first started.'
The announcement also noted a global tour, their first since 2021's 'Permission to Dance On Stage' concerts.
BTS plans to start work in the U.S. this month, according to a statement from Hybe, the group's management company.
The comeback follows the completion of South Korea's mandatory military service by all members.
Jin was the first to enlist in December 2022 and the first to be discharged in June 2024. J-Hope enlisted in April 2023 and was discharged in October 2024. Suga began his service in September 2023, while RM, V, Jimin and Jungkook all enlisted December 2023. All four returned this past spring.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 to 28 are required by law to perform 18 to 21 months of military service under a conscription system meant to deter aggression from rival North Korea.
J-Hope, who last performed in the Bay Area in 2018, returned to Oakland Arena this spring for his solo 'Hope on the Stage' tour.
BTS's forthcoming release will mark the first group album since 2020's 'Be.' Fans can expect a preview of what's to come with the live album 'BTS Permission to Dance on Stage — Seoul,' set for release July 18.