BTS Returns in Full Formation with New Album “ARIRANG” Released on March 20

BTS is returning in full formation following a nearly four-year hiatus from musical activities, with their new album “ARIRANG” set to release on March 20. This is their fifth studio album, featuring contributions from all seven members: RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook, and j-hope. BigHit Music confirmed the album’s release via official social media accounts on Thursday morning.

Pre-orders are currently available through the WeVerse platform. Retailer Target has offered an exclusive pre-order edition of “ARIRANG,” beginning sales at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday for 10 vinyl editions and 2 CD editions (including collectible photo cards). The WeVerse pre-order page included details for international pre-orders, but the album artwork has not yet been released.

Last month, BigHit posted a notice on X stating, “March 20 comeback confirmed.” This reaffirmed the world tour announced last summer alongside plans for a new album in spring 2026. At that time, the seven members indicated they intended to begin working on the project starting in July 2025.

The four-year hiatus was caused by BTS members’ mandatory military service. Under South Korean law, all males aged 18 to 28 must serve 18 to 21 months in the military, a conscription system designed to deter North Korean invasion. Athletes, classical musicians, traditional artists, and ballet dancers who win top awards in specific competitions and are recognized as enhancing the country’s prestige may be exempt. The seven members performed their last concert in Busan on October 15, 2022, but they announced their official reunion by holding a joint live broadcast via WeVerse on January 17.

BTS will embark on a world tour from 2026 to 2027. The tour will begin in South Korea in April and run until March 2027, featuring over 70 performances across Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and Europe. This will be their first major concert tour since the “Permission to Dance on Stage” tour in 2021–22.