BTS officially confirms reunion in 2026: All the things you need to know about the K-Pop band's much-awaited comeback

BTS announced a brand-new studio album as part of their comeback plans.

After years of waiting, BTS fans worldwide finally have something huge to celebrate. The seven-member global supergroup has officially announced their plans to reunite in 2026, marking their return to the stage after completing mandatory military service. Earlier this week, BTS surprised fans with a major announcement during a collective Weverse livestream—their first group appearance in a long time.

BTS announced a brand-new studio album as part of their comeback plans. It will be their first since 2020's Be and a sequel to their energetic Permission to Dance On Stage tour. The BTS ARMY is ecstatic about the news, and social media is ablaze with celebrations, heartfelt tributes, and excitement for what's to come.

First Group Appearance in Years

When RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook appeared side by side in a heartfelt livestream on Weverse on July 1, 2025, fans were treated to an emotional reunion. The happiness was evident for both the members and the fans, as it was the first time the seven members had been spotted together in more than two years.

Why the Long Hiatus?

Mandatory military service, which started in December 2022 when Jin became the first member to enlist, was the reason for the prolonged break from group activities. Each member progressively followed suit over the course of the following two years, with the last discharges occurring in June 2025. Group activities were put on hold while they maintained individual fan connections through music, livestreams, and solo endeavors—which made their 2026 return all the more significant.

Five Years Since Their Last Studio Album

The upcoming album will be BTS’s first full-length group release since Be, which debuted in 2020 at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. That era cemented the group’s international dominance with hits like “Dynamite” and “Life Goes On,” both of which topped the Billboard Hot 100. Those successes paved the way for later global chart-toppers like “Permission to Dance” and “Butter.”

Jimin Reflects on the Upcoming Reunion

Jimin recently wrote a heartfelt letter to fans in which he shared some personal thoughts about the group's return. He disclosed that the topic of his nightly talks with Jungkook has changed from light conversation to in-depth talks about getting ready for their reunion with the ARMY. The two have been thinking about their future as artists and people, how they want to develop, and the kind of image they want to project.

A Mix of Nerves and Determination

Jimin acknowledged feeling a little anxious before the reunion. He admitted that the group hadn't played together in a long time and that he hadn't been on stage or completely engrossed in music in a long time. He is more determined than ever to give the fans the greatest performance possible in spite of these nervousness. He underlined, “For all of you who have waited for us,” he emphasized, “my resolve to give you the best stage hasn’t wavered.”

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The Road Ahead for BTS

The emphasis is once again on music, performances, and their relationship with fans now that all members have been formally released and reunited. Even though 2026 is the official return date, preparations are already underway for everything from the album to the performance.

For ARMY, the countdown to BTS’s long-awaited comeback has finally begun—and it’s shaping up to be one of the most emotional and unforgettable chapters in the group’s history.