BTS to Make Full-Group Comeback in March with New Album “ARIRANG” and Free Concert in Gwanghwamun

BTS will make a full-group comeback on March 20 with their new album “ARIRANG,” following the completion of all members’ military service. Plans for a free concert at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul and a world tour covering 34 locations have been unveiled, signaling a new phase of growth for the K-pop industry.

To host the comeback stage, HYBE submitted an application to the Seoul City government for permission to use Gwanghwamun Square. The concert is tentatively titled “K-Heritage and K-Pop Fusion Concert” and is scheduled to take place over one day at the end of March. Attendance will be limited to 15,000 to 20,000 people through pre-registration. A free concert is also under consideration, with preliminary plans to allow filming and media facade displays in areas such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Moon Gate, and Sungnyemun Gate.

The studio album “ARIRANG” is named after the Korean folk song “Arirang.” With themes of separation, reunion, and shared longing, the emotional depth and cultural significance of this song align well with the album’s concept centered on reflection and identity. SUGA said, “After much discussion, we created an album of 14 tracks that each represent one of our seven members’ stories.” RM added, “I hope ARIRANG becomes an album that can stay with fans across time and generations.”

Jungkook stated, “As we finished the album, we shared how much we missed you, how much we value you, and how much we look forward to the future.” J-hope explained, “While working on this album, we thought about what kind of music and stories would be most authentic to BTS.” V said, “This is the first full-group album in 3 years and 9 months. We spent a lot of time reflecting on our roots and identity.” Jin asked fans, “Thank you for always being by our side. What is your ARIRANG?”

In a letter posted on Weverse, RM quoted the Austrian poet Rilke to openly discuss the complexities of love and the challenges of growing up. He said, “Now that we’re back after such a long time, I feel extremely excited yet deeply humble.” He continued, “My heart races when good music is created, and I laugh like a child every time I joke around with the members.” Adding that he feels like crying when thinking about the Lightstick shining like a forest at night, he expressed his determination, saying, “This energy and emotion have brought us to this point, and even if we wobble or stumble, we want to keep standing up and moving forward.”

To commemorate this comeback, digital billboards have appeared in major cities such as New York, Tokyo, London, and Paris. BTS plans to hold a total of 79 performances across 34 locations in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East from 2026 to 2027. This will be their first world tour since the “Love Yourself World Tour” in 2018–2019, and it is expected to drive further growth for the K-pop industry.