BTS, the internationally acclaimed South Korean music ensemble, is poised to make a significant return to the music scene in 2026. The entertainment entity BigHit Music confirmed via social media that March 20 is the official date for the group's comeback after nearly four years off from group activities.
This extended break was primarily due to the seven members—RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook, and j-hope—fulfilling South Korea's compulsory military duties. Each member completed their service at different times, allowing staggered enlistments that gave room for individual pursuits.
Earlier messages from the agency indicated, "March 20th comeback confirmed," emphasizing the group's readiness to reunite after members returned from service. Suga, who served as a social service agent—a non-active military alternative chosen reportedly due to a shoulder injury—was the last to conclude his service in June 2025. The other six members served in the army as required by law.
During their enlistment period, BTS members focused on solo projects, maintaining visibility and creative output while the group was on hiatus. This approach allowed them to return as a collective with renewed focus and shared experiences.
The group previously teased plans for a world tour and new album slated for spring 2026, announcing intentions to commence album production in July 2025. They emphasized that the upcoming album would be collaborative, integrating the distinct perspectives of each member with the 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."
This upcoming release will be BTS's first group album since several recent releases including their 2022 anthology titled "Proof," the 2021 Japanese compilation album "BTS, the Best," and their last studio album "Be," which debuted in 2020.