BTS returned as a full seven-member group in 2026 with their first studio album in more than five years, following a hiatus that saw every member complete South Korea's mandatory military service and build out an extensive run of solo projects. This profile covers the group's lineup, the comeback timeline, and everything tied to their 2026 album Arirang and the world tour that followed it.
Who Is BTS
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| RM | Leader, main rapper |
| Jin | Vocalist |
| Suga | Rapper |
| J-Hope | Rapper, dancer |
| Jimin | Vocalist, dancer |
| V | Vocalist |
| Jungkook | Vocalist, the group's youngest member |
The Reunion Timeline
BTS entered an extended hiatus in 2022 so each member could fulfill South Korea's mandatory military service, a requirement for virtually all able-bodied Korean men, alongside pursuing individual solo projects. By mid-2025, all seven members had completed their service, and in July 2025 the group relocated together to Los Angeles, sharing a house for two months, the first time they'd all been in one place since 2019. According to RM, the group kept a disciplined schedule during that stretch, describing it as feeling like being trainees again, working six days a week between physical training in the mornings and studio sessions with collaborators in the afternoons and evenings.
Arirang: The 2026 Comeback
BTS's comeback album, Arirang, takes its name from a centuries-old Korean folk song long associated with themes of connection, distance, and reunion, a fitting reference point for an album marking the group's first full reunion in years. The 14-track record was released on March 20, 2026, marking BTS's first studio album since 2020's Be, and was led by the single "Swim."
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Album title | Arirang |
| Release date | March 20, 2026 |
| Track count | 14 tracks |
| Lead single | "Swim" |
| Previous full studio album | Be (2020) |
The Comeback Concert and Documentary
The day after Arirang's release, BTS performed a free public concert at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square, drawing a crowd reported at roughly 260,000 people. The show opened with members walking the historic "King's Road" through Gyeongbokgung Palace, a ceremonial route traditionally reserved for Korean kings during the Joseon Dynasty, dressed in monochromatic looks designed by Korean label Songzio. The concert streamed globally on Netflix as BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE, followed by a behind-the-scenes documentary, BTS: THE RETURN, which dropped on Netflix on March 27, 2026, covering the members' military service years and comeback preparation.
The World Tour
BTS launched the Arirang World Tour on April 9, 2026, an 82-date run covering 34 regions that's scheduled to continue through March 2027, marking the group's first tour since their earlier "Permission to Dance on Stage" run of stadium residencies. Every show announced so far has reportedly sold out.
What They Did During the Hiatus
The years apart weren't quiet ones. Each member released solo material during the break, building individual catalogs that ran alongside their military service:
| Member | Solo Releases |
|---|---|
| RM | Indigo (2022), Right Place, Wrong Person (2024) |
| Jin | Happy (2024), Echo (2025) |
| Suga | D-Day (2023) |
| J-Hope | Jack in the Box (2022), Hope on the Street Vol. 1 (2024) |
| Jimin | Face (2023), Muse (2024) |
| V | Layover (2023) |
| Jungkook | Golden (2023) |
Beyond music, Jimin and Jungkook co-starred in the Disney+ series Are You Sure?!, which released a second season, Jin toured behind a concert film documenting his solo run, and V became the first brand ambassador for Korean beauty brand TIRTIR.
FAQ
Why did BTS take a multi-year hiatus?
All seven members needed to complete South Korea's mandatory military service, a requirement for virtually all able-bodied Korean men, which they combined with individual solo music and acting projects.
What is BTS's 2026 comeback album called?
The album is called Arirang, named after a centuries-old Korean folk song, released March 20, 2026, as their first full studio album since 2020's Be.
Where can I watch BTS's comeback concert?
The comeback concert, BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE, along with the documentary BTS: THE RETURN, streamed globally on Netflix.
How long is the Arirang World Tour?
It's an 82-date tour across 34 regions, launched April 9, 2026, and scheduled to run through March 2027.