Following a musical break lasting close to four years, BTS, the South Korean boy band renowned worldwide, is preparing to re-enter the music scene. The group, composed of members RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook, and j-hope, will launch their fifth full-length album titled "ARIRANG" on March 20, as disclosed by their agency, BigHit Music.
Accompanying this announcement, retailer Target has revealed a collaboration with BTS to provide exclusive pre-order editions of "ARIRANG." Fans are offered the chance to preorder ten distinct vinyl versions of the album starting at 9 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, along with two special CD editions that include collectible photocards. Beyond these details, information regarding the album remains scarce. The official BTS fan website, WeVerse, operated by HYBE, the management company behind BTS, published pre-order options targeting international audiences; however, album artwork and further specifics were notably absent.
Earlier in the month, BigHit Music confirmed the comeback date through a succinct message on the platform X, stating simply, "March 20 comeback confirmed." This confirmation aligns with prior updates from the previous summer, when BTS hinted at plans for a new album release scheduled for spring 2026 and a world tour. At that time, the group indicated that work on the album would commence in July 2025.
Besides the album release, BTS also announced a comprehensive world tour set for 2026-2027. This tour will begin in South Korea during April, extending over nearly a full year through March 2027, with more than 70 shows planned across Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and Europe. This marks the members' first full-group concert series since their "Permission to Dance on Stage" tour, which took place in 2021-22.
The group's prolonged hiatus was largely attributed to South Korea's compulsory military service law, which requires all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve between 18 and 21 months. The legislation aims to maintain national security against potential threats. While some exemptions exist for athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and certain dancers who have achieved high honors, prominent entertainers such as BTS do not qualify for such releases.
Of the seven members, rapper Suga completed his military service most recently in June 2025, opting to fulfill his duties as a social service agent following a shoulder injury, which is an alternative form of service. The other six members—RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook, Jin, and j-hope—served in active military roles. To accommodate their music careers, BTS staggered enlistments, allowing members to pursue solo projects independently during their group hiatus.
Jin, the eldest member, enrolled first in 2022 and was also the initial member to complete his term, finishing service in June 2024. The return of BTS as a complete group marks a significant moment for fans and the global music industry alike, with the upcoming album and extensive worldwide tour generating considerable excitement and anticipation.