Music

BTS Is Releasing First Album in Four Years and Going on Tour After Military Service Hiatus

The seven-piece K-pop group has announced their first album in almost four years.

Members of BTS on the red carpet in stylish suits, posing together at an event.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin via Getty Images

BTS is back.

The seven-piece K-pop outfit announced a pause in mid-2022 to allow the members to complete their mandatory South Korean military service, and now they’ve announced their long-awaited comeback album. The group’s agency, Big Hit Music, confirmed on Thursday (Jan. 1) that the group will make its long-awaited comeback on March 20. Before the confirmation, the group shared handwritten notes with fans that thanked their loyal ARMY fanbase.

“We’ve waited more earnestly than anyone else,” wrote RM in his note. “The year we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived,” added Jimin, while V expressed excitement for the year ahead. The band regrouped in the studio in July 2025, just a month after Jimin and Jung Kook completed their military service.

The news has been highly-anticipated ever since Jimin revealed in November that BTS completed their new album. “Guys, we just finished recording,” said Jimin. “It can come out next spring. Seeing you today, I really feel like promoting our music.”

In a statement last year, the group shared a statement that said they’re approaching the new record with the same enthusiasm they did for their first release. “We’re also planning a world tour alongside the new album,” the statement read. “We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are.”

Despite the group’s hiatus, the majority of its members released solo material throughout the last four years. The most recent project came from Jin, who released his second solo EP, Echo, last year. Other projects included Jimin and Jung Kook’s Disney+ series, Are You Sure?!, and V’s role as a brand ambassador for the beauty brand TIRTIR.

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