BTS announces March album and world tour comeback

Thursday 08 January 2026 - 17:20

By: Dakir Madiha

BTS announces March album and world tour comeback

K-pop powerhouse BTS revealed its highly anticipated return on January 3, confirming a fifth full-length album release on March 20, 2026, paired with a global tour. The announcement arrived via handwritten letters delivered to fans' homes and a dedicated countdown website, marking the group's first complete project in nearly four years following the seven members' mandatory military service in South Korea.

BigHit Music stated on Weverse that the 14-track album is their first in three years and nine months since the 2022 anthology Proof. The label emphasized the members' deep involvement, infusing songs with personal thoughts, colors, and emotions from their journeys and struggles.

BTS shared the news intimately by sending handwritten letters to Gold membership fans on Weverse, featuring the date "2026.03.20". RM wrote, "I've waited more impatiently than anyone," while Jin said, "Thank you so much for waiting." Jungkook noted, "I miss you! I'm looking forward to this year too," and J-Hope added, "Finally, what we've imagined is becoming reality!" These were gifts for fans who maintained memberships over the past three years.

At the same time, the group launched 2026bts.com with tabs for "Album" and "Tour," featuring a countdown clock to March. This followed BTS clearing its Instagram feed on New Year's Eve, signaling a fresh start.

Post-album, BTS will embark on its first world tour since 2019. BigHit confirmed tour dates and venues will be revealed on January 14 at midnight KST, with pre-orders starting January 16 at 11 a.m. KST. The comeback became feasible after Suga completed service in June 2025. The seven-member group RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook teased plans during a July 2025 Weverse live stream that drew 7.3 million concurrent viewers.

BigHit described the album as "filled with sincere stories BTS wants to share with ARMY, who waited for their full-group return," calling it their heartfelt thank-you to enduring fans.