BTS Announces Comeback Album and World Tour

BTS is officially returning with a new album and a world tour, marking the end of their hiatus for mandatory military service. The announcement was made by Big Hit Music on January 1, confirming a release date of March 20 for the upcoming album.

This comeback follows the group's temporary break, which began in 2022 to allow members to fulfill their national duty. The new release will be the first since the 2022 album Proof, which achieved record-breaking sales in South Korea. All members, including Suga, have completed their service as of 2025.

The highly anticipated return of BTS has been confirmed by Big Hit Music. In a statement released on Thursday, January 1, the agency revealed that the group will drop a new album on March 20. Alongside the album release, the group also plans to embark on a world tour, signaling a full-scale return to global music activities.

This upcoming release is significant as it is the first since the 2022 album Proof. That album was a major commercial success, becoming the best-selling album in the country for that year. The announcement ends years of speculation regarding the group's schedule following their enlistment.

The group's hiatus was necessitated by the mandatory military service requirement for all able-bodied men in South Korea. The process began in 2022, when Jin became the first member to enlist. This set the timeline for the group's temporary pause on group activities.

By 2025, all seven members had been officially discharged from service. The last member to complete his duty was rapper Suga, who concluded his service on June 21 of last year. With all members now free from their military obligations, the path is clear for the group to resume their career.

Excitement is high among the members and the fanbase. RM, the leader of BTS, shared his personal feelings about the return in a handwritten letter addressed to the official fan club. He wrote, "I am waiting for this with more expectations than no one," highlighting his eagerness to reconnect with music and fans.

The news has sparked a wave of excitement across social media platforms. Fans have been waiting patiently since the start of the hiatus and are now preparing for the group's full-scale comeback activities, including the album release and the upcoming tour.

As March 20 approaches, attention is turning toward the musical direction of the new album. Having completed their service, the members are expected to bring new experiences and perspectives to their art. The combination of a new album and a world tour suggests that BTS is planning a major presence in the music industry for the coming year.

The group's return is one of the most significant events in the entertainment world, given their global influence. The coordination between Big Hit Music and the members indicates a well-prepared strategy for their re-debut.