Recently, all seven members ofBTSwent live on Weverse for the first timesince the end of their military duties, with a huge announcement: they’re making a comeback. In 2026, a new album is scheduled for release, along with a new world tour. This news excited everyone, especially their fans (also known as ARMY), who had waited years for the boys to return.
While the specifics, such as the album name, are still tightly under wraps, BTS did tease a few things. According to the group, the upcoming album will reflect each member’s “thoughts and ideas”. It will be developed through a “traveling song camp,” similar to the creative process behind theirDark & Wildalbum. They also recently had a photo shoot. What matters is that it’s their first full-group project since their 2022 hiatusand that alone is enough to send the internet into overdrive.
What a “Comeback” Really Means in K-Pop Culture
In the K-pop industry, the word"comeback"carries a lot more weight than in the West. It doesn’t just mean an artist is returning from a break. It usuallysignals a new era complete with a fresh concept, visuals, a packed promotional schedule, and a tour. But when a group returns after a major hiatus, such as military conscription, it becomes something much bigger.
One of the most notable comebacks in recent history was that of2NE1, a girl group that debuted in 2009. In 2024, it was announced that the group would tour once again to celebrate their 15th anniversary, eight years after their breakup, and two years since their surprise appearance atCoachella. According toYG Entertainment, over 400,000 people attempted to buy tickets for their shows in Seoul, and all of them sold out immediately. If people went nuts for a comeback for a 2nd-gen K-Pop group,imagine the frenzy that will occur once BTS begin their promotional tour.
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What Makes the BTS ARMY a Force to Be Reckoned With
In the 2021 song “Butter,” there’s a line that goes “Got ARMY right behind us when we say so.” And there’s a reason why they mention their fanbase - they’re dedicated. Whether they’re on tour, on a short break, or doing their conscription, they will always have their support. Even when the group announced they were going to fulfill their military duties, fans showed their support immediately, as well as during the lead-up and onward.
For example, BTS released a song called “Take Two” in 2023 as part of the group’s 10th anniversary celebrations, which expresses the group’s appreciation for their fans. What’s interesting about this track is thatJinandJ-Hopewere both serving their mandatory military service at the time of its release. Additionally, each member of the BTS was pursuing solo projects before their enlistment. Regardless, “Take Two” was a success. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard Global 200 with 60.2 million streams, and its release made BTS the “first act to have sent a new song to No. 1 on the Global 200"ever since the chart began in 2020.
Another notable example was in 2022, when BTS performed their last concert, titled “Yet to Come in BUSAN,” as part of the city’s bid to host the World Expo 2030. This concert was free, was also streamed live on Weverse and other broadcasters, and was mainly financed by their record label. According toVariety, 50 million people tuned in to the Weverse stream and 50,000 people attended the concert in person at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. Fans knew they wouldn’t see BTS for quite a while, so they all came together to watch the show and show their support. This shows that regardless of where BTS is, they will always have their fans to support them.
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BTS Isn’t Just Coming Back - They’re About to Make History
BTS’s previous comebacks were already record-breaking. Their 2019 release,Map of the Soul: Persona, made them the first group sinceThe Beatlesto earn three No. 1 albums in a single year, according toBillboard. Additionally, it sold over 3.2 million copies in just one month, making it South Korea’s best-selling album at the time.
Regardless of the content featured in BTS’s upcoming album, note that there will be an influx of fans, whether they’ve been with the group since the start or joined the fandom following"Dynamite,“who will buy the albums, stream the songs, and purchase concert tickets. Their song camp will allow the group to work with producers and songwriters of their choice, thus creating something that not only they’re proud of, but also something their fans will enjoy. Although the participants in this creative journey remain unknown, the group has collaborated with numerous notable individuals, includingHalsey,Coldplay, andCharlie Puth,making it anyone’s game.
One thing is sure, BTS’s 2026 return won’t just be an ordinary album drop, it’s going to be an event in the making, and many venues will fight to have BTS tour in their country. Until then, all anyone can do now is wait.
