Having completed South Korea’s mandatory military service, BTS have been teasing their first new album in six years. A release date has now been set for the as-yet-untitled album: It’s out March 20 via Big Hit Entertainment. Here’s everything we know so far.
What’s the backstory?
BTS’ last studio LP was 2020’s Be. In 2021, Big Hit confirmed that they were taking an “official extended period of rest,” and the K-pop superstars released the anthology album Proof in June 2022. They’ve pursued solo projects since, including J-Hope’s 2022 album Jack in the Box, RM’s 2022 effort Indigo, and Jimin’s 2023 collection Face. Jimin and Jung Kook teamed up for the Disney+ series Are You Sure?!, whose second season aired in December. Jin shared a concert film about his debut solo tour last month, and V became the first brand ambassador for the Korean beauty brand TIRTIR.
How was the release date announced?
The group teased a world tour last summer, saying that a new album would be released in the spring of 2026. “We’re approaching the album with the same mindset we had when we first started,” they said. “We’re also planning a world tour alongside the new album. We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are.”
Fans discovered the cryptically-written release date of the album – March 20 – via handwritten notes sent to the loyal ARMY fanbase to celebrate the New Year. “We’ve waited more earnestly than anyone else,” RM wrote. “The year we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived,” Jimin remarked. “In 2026, we’ll make even more good memories, so look forward to it!” V added.
What do we know about the making of the album?
Not much beyond the fact that BTS entered the studio last July. They’ve also vaguely suggested that it will “reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas.”
Do we have a tracklist yet?
No official tracklist has yet been unveiled, but we do know the album featuers 14 trakcs. Be was a relatively understated effort, with 8 tracks clocking in at less than half an hour, while 2020’s Map of the Soul: 7 spanned 20 tracks, with guest spots from Halsey and Sia.
Will there be a tour in support of the album?
Yes, and the tour schedule is set to be announced on January 14.
