BTS ends a nearly four-year hiatus with the announcement of a new studio album, ARIRANG, set for release on March 20. The septet’s fifth full-length project arrives after all seven members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service and marks the group’s first collective work since 2021.
At a Glance
- BTS will release album ARIRANG on March 20 after a four-year break
- 10 exclusive vinyl editions and 2 CD versions go on preorder Thursday at 9 p.m. Eastern via Target
- A 2026-2027 world tour kicks off in April, spanning 70-plus dates across five continents
- Why it matters: The K-pop superstars return as a complete unit, signaling a new chapter for the $5 billion-plus HYBE empire and the global music industry
BigHit Music broke the news Thursday morning on social media, directing fans to WeVerse for international preorder details. While the link omitted album artwork, it confirmed the title and date, ending months of speculation that began last summer when the group first teased a spring 2026 release.
What We Know About ‘ARIRANG’
- Title: ARIRANG
- Format: 10 vinyl variants, 2 CD editions with collectible photocards
- Retailer: Target-exclusive preorder launches 9 p.m. Eastern Thursday
- Artwork: Not yet revealed
The company has kept further details under wraps, continuing BTS’s tradition of strategic, drip-fed rollouts. A cryptic post on X earlier this month-“March 20 comeback confirmed”-was the only public breadcrumb until this week’s announcement.
Tour Dates Revealed
On Tuesday, BTS unveiled plans for a sprawling 2026-2027 world tour, their first headline run since the 2021-22 Permission to Dance on Stage series. The itinerary lists more than 70 shows across Asia, North America, South America, Australia and Europe, beginning in South Korea next April and concluding in March 2027.
Military Service Complete
All seven members-RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope-have satisfied South Korea’s conscription requirement. Under the law, able-bodied men aged 18-28 must serve 18-21 months to deter aggression from North Korea. Exemptions exist for elite athletes and classical artists, but K-pop idols do not qualify.
The group staggered enlistments to allow solo activities:
- Jin, the oldest, enlisted first in 2022 and was discharged June 2024
- Suga, the final member, completed service as a social-service agent in June 2025 after opting out of active duty due to a shoulder injury
During the hiatus, members released individual projects, maintaining BTS’s global visibility and revenue streams for parent company HYBE.
Key Takeaways
- BTS returns as a complete seven-member act on March 20 with album ARIRANG
- Target partnership offers 12 collectible editions, driving preorder hype
- A 70-plus-date world tour follows, restoring the group’s stadium-level touring power
- Military hiatus ends with all members officially discharged, clearing the way for full-scale promotions
