NEW YORK — K-pop phenomenon BTS is officially ending their nearly four-year musical hiatus with major announcements that have sent the global ARMY fandom into celebration. The septet confirmed through their label BigHit Music that they will release their fifth studio album, titled “ARIRANG,” on March 20, 2026.
The comeback announcement follows the completion of all seven members’ mandatory military service requirements in South Korea. The group strategically staggered their enlistments to allow for individual projects while maintaining group cohesion. Rapper Suga, who served as a social service agent due to a shoulder injury, was the final member to complete his duties in June 2025.
Complementing the album release, BTS revealed an extensive 2026-2027 world tour comprising over 70 dates across five continents. The tour will commence in South Korea in April 2026 and continue through March 2027, marking their first headline performances since their 2021-2022 Permission to Dance on Stage tour.
Retail partnership details emerged simultaneously, with Target announcing exclusive preorder editions featuring 10 different vinyl variants and two CD editions with collectible photocards. Preorders opened Thursday at 9 p.m. Eastern time through the WeVerse platform, HYBE’s dedicated fan community service.
While album artwork and specific tracklist details remain undisclosed, the announcement represents the culmination of plans initially teased last summer. The group had previously indicated they would begin working on new material in July 2025 following all members’ military service completion.