Global K-pop phenomenon BTS has officially declared an end to their nearly four-year musical hiatus, announcing their fifth studio album and a sprawling world tour set for 2026 and 2027.
Album and Tour Details Confirmed
The group's label, BigHit Music, used social media on Thursday to confirm the release of the new album, titled ARIRANG, on March 20, 2026. In a move sure to excite their massive global fanbase, the agency simultaneously revealed plans for an extensive world tour. The tour will kick off in South Korea in April 2026 and run through March 2027, featuring over 70 dates across Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and Europe.
This will mark the septet's first headline concert series since their 'Permission to Dance on Stage' tour concluded in 2022. For collectors, a partnership with retailer Target will offer ten unique vinyl editions and two exclusive CD versions with collectible photocards, available for pre-order from 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday.
The Hiatus Explained: Mandatory Military Service
The extended break was necessitated by South Korea's mandatory military conscription. All seven members – RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – have now completed their required service. The members enlisted in a staggered fashion, allowing them to pursue individual solo projects during the group's pause.
Jin, the oldest member, was the first to enlist in December 2022 and the first to be discharged in June 2024. Rapper Suga, who served as a social service agent due to a prior shoulder injury, was the last to complete his duties in June 2025. The group's enlistments were closely watched, as South Korean law requires all able-bodied men aged 18-28 to serve, with exemptions generally not extended to K-pop artists.
What Comes Next for the Supergroup
While album artwork and full tracklist details for 'ARIRANG' remain under wraps, the announcement confirms hints dropped by the label earlier. BigHit Music had previously posted a cryptic message on X, formerly Twitter, stating "March 20 comeback confirmed," building on teasers from last summer about a 2026 album and tour.
Fans worldwide are now directed to the WeVerse platform, managed by BTS's parent company HYBE, for international pre-order information. The upcoming tour and album release signify a monumental return to the global stage for one of music's most influential acts, promising a major moment for the music industry in 2026.
