BTS reunite for first time since military service, confirm 2026 return

BTS have announced their 2026 return in a new livestream.

• READ MORE: BTS at 10: how the world-conquering boyband evolved from hip-hop rookies to eclectic icons

Yesterday, the K-pop boyband partook in a WeVerse livestream, marking the first time that all seven members have reunited onscreen since their mandatory military service forced a hiatus in 2022.

During the WeVerse livestream, the group confirmed reports in June that the group would be returning with new music in March. While BTS did not commit to a March release, they’ve confirmed that they’ll soon begin working on a new album in the United States and are aiming for a Spring release.

BTS said: “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.”

Besides the album, BTS are also eying a return to the road, teasing that a tour will follow the upcoming album’s release: “We’re also planning a world tour alongside the new album. We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are.”

Since the discharge of all seven members in June, the group have announced their first-ever live album, which is due out later this month. The album will consist of live tracks from their record-breaking 2021 and 2022 ‘Permission to Dance on Stage’ tour. A digital accompaniment has also been announced, including video footage of the tour’s closer in Seoul.

BTS went on hiatus in 2022 to fulfil their mandatory service and “explore some solo projects”. One of the most recent of which was Jin releasing his second solo project, titled ‘Echo’.

Following his discharge, J-Hope hinted at BTS’ return, saying in an interview with Apple Music 1: “I look forward to June when our members will have completed their service. We will quickly get together and talk about what BTS can do in the future. I think it’s going to be a massive energy.”

Before then, he told Weverse Magazine: “When we’re all back together as a group, it’s going to have a huge impact, and everybody’s going to be watching. I’m excited to see what it’ll feel like when we perform together again. I want to come back in style and say, ‘This is us. This is BTS.’ I can’t speak for everyone, but I can tell you the other members feel the same way.”

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