On the evening of 1/7, after nearly three years of members completing their military service, BTS made their first public appearance together during a live broadcast on Weverse, the global fandom platform. The group shared their future plans with fans.
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BTS during the Weverse live stream. Photo: Big Hit Music |
BTS during the Weverse live stream. Photo: Big Hit Music
Leader RM said, "Our album is set to be released early next year. Starting this July, BTS will focus all our efforts on creating new music together."
If released on schedule, this will be the group's first album in 4 years, since Proof, South Korea's best-selling album of 2022 with almost 3.5 million copies. Their previous album, Be (2020), reached number 1 on the Billboard 200 and had two songs top the Billboard Hot 100: Dynamite and Life Goes On.
In addition to the new album, the group will embark on a global tour starting in early 2026. They also confirmed plans to visit the US this month to produce music and prepare for upcoming activities.
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BTS. Photo: Jeon Heon-Kyun/EPA |
BTS. Photo: Jeon Heon-Kyun/EPA
During their time apart, all seven members maintained their careers, continuing to develop by releasing solo singles, EPs, and collaborations. According to Billboard, each member has had the opportunity to establish themselves as solo artists and "gain a deeper understanding of art from their own perspective."
BTS (short for Bangtan Sonyeondan) is a South Korean boy band formed under Big Hit Music (now HYBE Corporation). The group debuted in 2013 with seven members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. Their music spans genres like hip-hop and R&B, often addressing social issues, internal struggles, romantic love, and self-love, resonating with young audiences worldwide.
Under South Korean law, men aged 18-28 are required to perform military service for about 18-22 months, except those who are ineligible due to health conditions, or athletes who have won gold medals at the Asian Games or bronze medals at the Olympics. Therefore, all seven BTS members have taken breaks from their artistic activities to serve: Jin (12/2022-6/2024), J-Hope (4/2023-10/2024), Suga (9/2023-6/2025), RM, Jimin, Jungkook, and V (12/2023-6/2025).
Before entering the military, BTS not only achieved musical success with numerous major awards and record sales but also had a significant cultural, social, and economic impact. They were the first K-pop group to be nominated for a Grammy, speak at the United Nations, and meet the US President at the White House. With a massive global fan base (known as ARMY), BTS has become a pop culture phenomenon. According to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute, the group contributes over 5.5 trillion won (approximately 4 billion USD) annually to the South Korean economy, accounting for 0.2% of the national GDP.
BTS's "Life Goes On" MV. Video: HYBE LABELS
Khanh Linh (Billboard, The Guardian)
