After nearly four years, BTS is stepping back into the spotlight as seven, and ARMY is more than ready to welcome them home. On March 20, BTS will comeback with a new album, “The 5th Album,” followed by a world tour in 2026. For their loyal fans, this announcement feels like the end of the longest winter, and spring is finally coming.
BTS Comeback 2026 Details: “The 5th Album” and World Tour
The Wait Is Over
These past few years have been hard for their fans, ARMY. When the oldest member of BTS, Jin, enlisted in the military service in December 2022, no one knew exactly how long they would be gone. The members needed to focus on their military service—a requirement that every South Korean man under 30 must complete. One by one, ARMY’s seven boys disappeared into the military, and they waited. And waited. And waited.
But now, all seven members have finished their service. Suga, the last member to leave, returned in June 2025. Since then, we have been counting down the days, watching for any small hint about a comeback. And then came those handwritten letters from the official fan group in early January. Leader RM’s letter said something that made many of fans cry: “I have been waiting more eagerly than anyone else.” Those words felt like a promise. A promise that they missed their fans as much as fans missed them.
Official Statement
Here’s an official statement from BIGHIT MUSIC regarding BTS’s comeback plans.
Hello.
This is BIGHIT MUSIC.
We are excited to share some details about the release of BTS The 5th Album, and the start of their World Tour.
The new album holds special significance as it marks the first album released by the group in three years and nine months, while also indicating the direction the group will take going forward. The members were deeply involved in the creation of the songs, infusing their own thoughts and colors into them while musically expressing the emotions and struggles they have experienced along their journey.
Featuring 14 tracks, the album is packed with honest stories that BTS wants to share with ARMY, who have been waiting for their pm comeback as a whole group. Filled with the music that’s most true to BTS, the album is their heartfelt way of saying thank you to ARMY, who have been there this whole time.
We are also pleased to announce that, following the release of their BTS The 5th Album, BTS will be going on a world tour. The tour schedule will be announced separately on January 14 at 12 am. We ask for your continued love and support for BTS as they embark on a fresh start through these new promotional activities.
Lastly, we would like to sincerely thank all the ARMY who have waited patiently for so long.
Pre-Order Opening Date: From 11 am, Friday, January 16, 2026 (KST)
Release Date: 1 pm, Friday, March 20, 2026 (KST)
“The 5th Album” — An Album Filled with Their Hearts
BTS will have 14 tracks in their upcoming album. According to Big Hit Music, it contains “honest stories that BTS wants to share with ARMY.” This is so important to understand. This is not just another album—this is a love letter to us after years apart. The members created these songs with their personal thoughts and feelings mixed into every track. They are not rushing back just to make money or stay famous. They are coming back because they have something meaningful to say to their fans.
This new album will be their fifth Korean studio album after “Map of the Soul:7” in 2020. That feels like forever ago, doesn’t it?
After the first announcement of members’ military service in October 2022 (BTS’s Jin), the group continued to deliver BTS content, solo projects, special performances, and occasional news updates to their fans until the last members, Jimin and Junkook, discharged. Now, ARMY will get their new album, featuring all seven members coming together to share their journey through music.
What BTS Comeback in 2026 Means for the Industry
From a business perspective, BTS’s comeback is huge. Before military service, BTS generated over 5.5 trillion won (approximately $3.8 billion USD) in South Korea alone. That number equals about 0.2% of South Korea’s total GDP. Yes, you read that correctly—one group was responsible for that much economic value.
The world tour following their album release is likely to earn enormous income. BTS is the most-streamed group on Spotify. They also became the first K-pop group to reach the top of the Billboard 200 and Billboard Artist 100 charts in the U.S. Because of this success, their tickets and merchandise will sell out fast.
Their return will also have a significant effect on the global economy. This comeback sends an important message to the K-pop industry. It shows that K-pop groups can take breaks and return even stronger. BTS proves they do not need to produce constant content or engage in endless activities to remain important and valuable in the industry.
What Happens Next
The album is set to release on March 20, 2026. Following this release, BTS will embark on a world tour. The complete tour schedule has not yet been announced, but is expected to be revealed on January 14, 2026, at 12 am. Based on BTS’s previous touring patterns, the group is expected to perform in major cities globally.
A Message to ARMY
“The 5th Album” is BTS’s first full-group album release since 2022, and the members took part in creating the songs with their own stories, turning the tracklist into a message for ARMY and a thank-you for staying through the long pause.
Now the countdown is real. March 20 marks a significant cultural moment for BTS and the global K-pop industry, with a world tour set to follow. What are you hoping for from the album, and what’s your dream tour stop? Share your expectations in the comments below.
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