BTS: Find out more about the band's upcoming album 'Arirang'
The K-pop sensations are back!
Last updated 5th Feb 2026
After nearly 34 months apart, all seven members of K-pop sensation BTS finally reunited in the summer of 2025, and delighted fans with the announcement of new music AND a world tour.
Taking part in a live stream on Weverse, BTS members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook all appeared on screen for the first time since announcing a hiatus in 2022, in order for them to carry out mandatory military service.
Are they releasing new music?
Dropping news of their hugely-anticipated comeback to music, BTS confirmed in 2025 they were working on a brand new album, hoping for a Spring 2026 release date, they have now confirmed it will be released on 20th March 2026.
The band said: “We’ll be releasing a new BTS album in the spring of next year. Starting in July, all seven of us will begin working closely together on new music. Since it will be a group album, it will reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas. We’re approaching the album with the same mindset we had when we first started.”
What is it called?
The album is called 'Arirang'. The album name is the name of a song sung in both North and South Korea, and acts as a symbol of unity.
When will it be released?
It will be released on 20th March 2026.
Is there a documentary?
Yes, it was announced in 2026, that Netflix will release a documentary following the band on their return to music, including the making of their album, after their hiatus.
Check out BTS' amazing career so far:
2010 - The beginnings
Although BTS released their first single in 2013, it was actually back in 2010 that the band formed. Assembled by Big Hit Entertainment, a South Korean entertainment company, BTS members were chosen from a variety of sources including online auditions, TV auditions and talent agencies.
However, it wasn't as easy as just releasing music once the band had formed, they worked as trainees, where they were prepared for stardom! The boys had lessons in dancing, singing, acting and media training.
2013 - The release of '2 COOL 4 SKOOL'
BTS officially released their first album in the summer of 2013 called '2 COOL 4 SKOOL'. The album was supported by songs 'No More Dream' and 'We Are Bulletproof Pt.2'.
2014 - The BTS A.R.M.Y. are born
Fans of the K-Pop group become known as the BTS ARMY. ARMY stands for Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth.
2019 - BTS present a Grammy Award
In 2019, BTS became the first K-pop artist to present an award at the Grammys. They presented H.E.R. with the Best R&B Album award.
2020 - BTS perform at the Grammys
Just a year after being the first K-Pop artist to present a Grammy, the band return to be the first K-Pop artist to perform at the awards.
2020: BTS release 'Dynamite'
In August 2020, BTS released their first English language song, 'Dynamite'. The song was a commercial success reaching Number 3 in the UK and becoming a Top 10 hit around the world.
2020 - BTS release 'Map of the Soul: 7'
BTS' seventh studio album 'Map of the Soul: 7' becomes a worldwide Number 1 hit, reaching the top spot in the UK, US, Australia, Japan and of course their native South Korea. It's since been certified Gold.
2021 - BTS collaborate with Coldplay
BTS and Coldplay release 'My Universe' in 2021, the song is sung in English and Korean and to date has 158 million views on YouTube.
2022 - BTS announce their hiatus
BTS shocked fans on their ninth anniversary by announcing they would be starting a hiatus.
2025 - BTS announce reunion
On 1st July 2025, just weeks after the final members of BTS were released from mandatory military service, all seven members reunited to announce the band's comeback. Appearing on a live stream, BTS confirmed they will be heading into the studio to create a new album, due for release in Spring 2026, as well as planning a World Tour.
2025 - BTS release their first live album
'Permission to Dance on Stage – Live' was released on 18th July and features live tracks from BTS' 'Permission to Dance on Stage' tour.
2026 - BTS announce their comeback tour including UK dates
In January 2026, the band announced their comeback tour, telling fans they would be performing across the world, including two dates in the UK. They will come to the UK in July 2026 with tickets available from Aloud.com soon.
2026 - BTS documentary to be released in March
The new documentary, BTS: The Return, will follow the band as they return to music, after their hiatus due to mandatory military service. It will also follow the band as they work on their new album.
The synopsis says: 'As millions of fans await the comeback of the decade, BTS confronts quieter questions: how to begin again, how to honour the past without being bound by it, and how to move forward together. Through moments of doubt, laughter, and rediscovery, they create new music that reflects who they are now—culminating in what will become a landmark album of its time. Intimate, emotional, and often joyful, BTS: THE RETURN is a story only BTS can tell: a portrait of resilience, brotherhood, and reinvention.'
2026 - Netflix announce global LIVE STREAM of BTS comeback gig
Before BTS are set to go on their world tour, they will reunite for the first time on stage since 2022 at Gwanghwamun Square, in Korea. Fans around the world will be able to watch this live via Netflix on 21st March at 11am in the UK.
Now read:
BTS: How the K-Popstars became BRIT Award nominees
A deep-dive into K-pop: Celebrating the global phenomenon
BTS documentary to be released later this year