BTS reunion: K-pop phenoms announce comeback album and 2026 world tour following military service completion

After a three-year hiatus, global K-pop sensation BTS has officially announced their reunion with a new group album and a world tour slated for 2026. The news was shared by all seven members — Jin, RM, V, Jimin, J-Hope, Jungkook, and Suga — during a livestream on Weverse on July 1, marking their first public appearance together since 2022.

“Starting in July, all seven of us will begin working closely together on new music,” the group stated. “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 will be BTS’ first full studio album since Be in 2020. The band also confirmed the release of a live album, BTS Permission to Dance on Stage — Seoul, set to drop on July 18.

The announcement comes as all members have now completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. Jin, the first to enlist in December 2022, was discharged in June 2024, followed by J-Hope, Suga, and the rest of the group completing their service by mid-2025. Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men must serve in the military, typically for 18 to 21 months.

BTS also confirmed plans for a world tour beginning in spring 2026, their first since the Permission to Dance On Stage tour in 2021. Though full tour dates have yet to be released, the band hinted at possible stops in North America, including the Bay Area.

In addition to the group’s comeback, individual members will continue solo activities throughout the rest of 2025. During the livestream, members praised Jin’s recent solo concerts in Korea and expressed excitement for J-Hope’s upcoming headlining performance at Lollapalooza Berlin.

Originally debuting in 2013, BTS rose from K-pop stardom to global dominance, achieving six Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles. During the hiatus, all seven members released solo projects, further expanding their musical identities.