BTS have officially confirmed their return for 2026 with plans for a new album and world tour.
“March 20 comeback confirmed,” the K-pop group’s agency Big Hit Music said in a new post on X, marking their first studio album since 2020’s ‘Be’ and their first record since their anthology LP ‘Proof’ was released in 2022.
Ahead of the official confirmation, all seven members teased their return in handwritten notes sent to their fansbase to celebrate the New Year. In the messages, they hinted at being reunited soon with their loyal ARMY fanbase, cryptically writing the date March 20, 2026.
“We’ve waited more earnestly than anyone else,” RM wrote. “The year we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived,” Jimin added. “In 2026, we’ll make even more good memories, so look forward to it!” V said.
Gold membership armys recieved handwritten letters from bts with a date on it?!? bts said the announcement better go to armys first like through mail with handwritten letters, THIS IS LOVE 😭 pic.twitter.com/eS7hpyH8U5
— ⁷ bts year ²⁰²⁶ (@Inmagicshop___) December 31, 2025
The band have been in the studio together working since last July, promising an album that will “reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas.” A world tour has also been promised.
BTS also rang in the New Year with fans through a full-group Weverse live broadcast on New Year’s Eve (December 31). Looking back on the past year, the members shared their hopes for the future, saying: “We hope to make a safe comeback this year and that the album does well. Let’s make BTS a huge success.”
The K-pop juggernauts reunited last July for the first time since 2022, with all seven members having completed their mandatory military service in South Korea. During a special livestream, BTS confirmed rumours that they were preparing to release new music.
“We’ll be releasing a new BTS album in the spring of next year. Starting in July, all seven of us will begin working closely together on new music. 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,” BTS said in a statement at the time.
“We’re also planning a world tour alongside the new album,” they added. “We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are.”
Last October, RM suggested that the group have a definitive timeline set for their return: “We have to keep preparing for the album — we’ll shoot the album photos and film the music video. Please look forward to late March.”
BTS went on hiatus in 2022, so that its members could also “explore some solo projects”, while juggling their mandatory military service.