At midnight on January 5, BTS announced the release of their fifth full-length album through the global superfan platform Weverse. The new album will be released at 1 p.m. KST on March 20. This marks their first full-group release in three years and nine months since the anthology album Proof in June 2022, and their first full-length album in six years and one month since MAP OF THE SOUL: 7, released in February 2020.

The upcoming album will feature a total of 14 tracks. Staying true to their identity as artists who consistently express their thoughts and emotions through music, BTS poured significant effort into capturing “who BTS are today.” The group focused on album production during the second half of 2025, jointly shaping the album’s direction while reflecting their individual perspectives in the music.

Each track is deeply infused with the emotions and reflections the members have experienced throughout their journey. The album also conveys heartfelt gratitude toward ARMY, the fandom that has patiently waited for BTS’s full-group return. The stories woven throughout the album represent both BTS’s ongoing narrative and a sincere message to the fans who have stood by them unwaveringly.

BTS also revealed that an announcement regarding their upcoming world tour schedule will be released at midnight on January 14, further heightening anticipation for their next chapter. This will be their first large-scale world tour in nearly four years, following the conclusion of BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE in Las Vegas in April 2022. Even with just the album release date and tour announcement teaser, global fan interest has surged rapidly.

As part of their comeback promotions, BTS have launched a new official website, 2026bts.com, where details related to the new album and world tour will be updated sequentially in the coming weeks.

Previously, according to BigHit Music on January 1, BTS has finalized their comeback date, sending waves of excitement through the global fandom.

The announcement was first subtly revealed through handwritten letters the members personally sent to ARMY (their official fan club). As a New Year’s gift, BTS delivered handwritten messages to fans’ homes, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support. Notably, the letters included the handwritten date “2026.03.20,” hinting at the official comeback day and quickly sparking speculation before confirmation.

Each member shared heartfelt messages alongside the reveal:

  • RM wrote, “We waited for this more desperately than anyone.”
  • Jin said, “Thank you so much for waiting.”
  • SUGA added, “Let’s enjoy this year together again. I love you.”
  • J-Hope shared, “What we’ve been imagining has finally become reality!”
  • Jimin wrote, “The year we meet again has arrived.”
  • V promised, “In 2026, we’ll make even more and even better memories together please look forward to it.”
  • Jungkook added, “I miss you. Please take care of us again this year.”

The letters were prepared as a special gift for ARMY members who maintained their Weverse membership over the past three years. Fans who did not receive physical letters will be able to view the same messages on Weverse later in January, ensuring that both domestic and international fans can share in the moment.

On the final day of 2025, BTS also reunited as seven members for a Weverse live broadcast, welcoming the New Year together with fans. During the live stream, they reflected on the past year and openly shared their hopes for the future, saying, “We hope to make a safe comeback this year and for the album to do well. Let’s make BTS a huge success again.”

With all seven members finally reuniting, BTS’s 2026 comeback is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated moments in global music.

Sources: TV Report, Daum