BTS will release their first group album since PROOF on March 20, 2026. The K-pop band returns after military service and solo projects.
BTS will return as a full group on March 20, 2026. After a break of almost four years, the globally successful K-pop septet is releasing an album with a full line-up for the first time. It is the South Korean band’s first album release in three years and nine months and marks a pivotal moment in their career.
Personal letters to the “Army” fan community
The announcement was made officially on January 1, 2026 by the BigHit Music agency. BTS had previously welcomed the New Year together with their fans at a live countdown on the Weverse platform. Shortly afterwards, selected members of the “Army” fan community received handwritten letters from the seven artists. Each letter had a date written on it: “3/2026.” The personal gesture caused emotional reactions worldwide.
Military service and successful solo careers
The group’s extended break had several reasons. Six of the seven members completed their mandatory military service in South Korea, each lasting around 18 months. Suga was serving in civil defense due to a previous shoulder injury. At the same time, all members devoted themselves to extensive solo activities. In recent years, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook have released their own songs and albums and collaborated with international artists. All seven made it into the US Billboard Hot 100 with their solo singles, Jimin and Jungkook even reached number one.
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First group album since PROOF
The upcoming album will be BTS’ first with a full lineup since June 2022, when they released the anthology album PROOF. The group had already announced a phase of individual activities back then, with the promise of a later return. In their letters, members emphasized the importance of this moment. RM spoke of having anticipated this moment more than any other. Jin thanked fans for their patience, while Suga called for people to consciously enjoy the year together.
The Gold members received handwritten letters from the band members:
The full messages will be published later on Weverse. The situation on Instagram is also striking: no posts are currently visible on the official BTS account with around 77 million followers. Many fans interpret the complete emptying of the profile as a symbolic new beginning and as conscious preparation for the group’s new phase.
World tour planned
After the album release, BTS are planning an extensive world tour. BigHit Music plans to announce concrete details about music and tour dates in spring 2026. BTS are considered one of the most successful groups in K-pop history. Since their debut in June 2013 with “No More Dream,” they have reached international chart tops with songs like “Dynamite” and “Permission To Dance.” The comeback on March 20th should once again underline their global importance.