BTS fans, rejoice! After nearly three years away from the stage, the global K-pop sensation is preparing for a long-awaited comeback. The group shared the news on Weverse, a platform where K-pop artists connect directly with fans. During the July 1, 2025 live broadcast, they revealed that work on a new album will begin later this summer. Even more exciting, the group has plans for a world tour in 2026.
“Starting next spring, we’ll of course be going on tour, so please look forward to seeing us all around the globe,” said group leader RM.
This upcoming album will be BTS’s first full-group project since Proof in June 2022. Proof sold over two million copies on its first day and topped charts worldwide for several weeks. Shortly after its successful release, BTS announced a pause in full-group activities. The break allowed them to fulfill South Korea’s mandatory military service, required of all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28.
Jin was the first to enlist in December 2022, followed by J-Hope in April 2023. RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook enlisted later that December. All served 18 months of active duty military service. Due to a previous shoulder injury, SUGA served as a public service worker — a role that requires a longer term of 21 months. He was the last to be discharged in June 2025.
The members also used the hiatus to release individual albums, collaborate with international stars, and appear on Korean variety shows. Their solo work— and the unwavering support of fans — kept the K-pop icons at the forefront of global pop culture.
As a prelude to their upcoming reunion, BTS released Permission to Dance on Stage – Live on July 18, 2025. The nearly 80-minute album captures the energy of their sold-out 2021 tour. It features 22 songs performed across 12 shows in Seoul, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The tour initially launched online due to COVID-19 restrictions and later expanded into an in-person experience as conditions improved. It reached a total audience of around 4 million. This included in-person attendees, cinema screenings, and livestream viewers.
