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BTS Announces Long-Awaited Return with New Album “ARIRANG” Set for March Release
After a nearly four-year musical hiatus, global K-pop sensation BTS is set to make their highly anticipated comeback. Entertainment company BigHit Music announced Thursday that the seven-member group will release their fifth album, “ARIRANG,” on March 20.
The announcement marks the end of a lengthy break for one of the world’s most popular music acts, whose members have been fulfilling mandatory military service obligations in South Korea over the past several years.
While details about the album remain limited, Target revealed a partnership with BTS for exclusive preorder editions of “ARIRANG.” Starting Thursday evening, fans can preorder from ten different vinyl album editions, along with two exclusive CD editions featuring collectible photocards.
BigHit Music shared international pre-order information through WeVerse, the fan platform owned by BTS’s management company HYBE, though album artwork appears to be under wraps for now. The announcement follows a cryptic note posted earlier this month that confirmed a “March 20 comeback,” advancing the timeline significantly from previous statements that suggested new music would arrive in 2026.
The album announcement coincides with news of a massive 2026-2027 world tour. The global trek will begin in South Korea in April 2026 and continue through March 2027, spanning more than 70 dates across Asia, North America, South America, Australia, and Europe. This marks the group’s first headline performances since their 2021-22 “Permission to Dance on Stage” tour.
The extended hiatus was necessitated by South Korea’s mandatory military service requirement, which applies to all able-bodied men aged 18-28. Unlike athletes and classical musicians who can receive exemptions for enhancing national prestige, K-pop entertainers must complete their service regardless of their international achievements.
The seven members—RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook, and j-hope—staggered their enlistments to allow for solo projects during the group’s break. Jin, the oldest member, was first to enlist in 2022 and first to be discharged in June 2024. Rapper Suga was the final member to complete his service in June 2025, serving as a social service agent due to a shoulder injury.
The announcement has sent waves of excitement through the group’s dedicated global fanbase, known as ARMY, who have been eagerly awaiting the band’s return since their last full group activities. The title “ARIRANG” is significant, referring to a traditional Korean folk song often considered the unofficial national anthem of Korea, suggesting the album may incorporate cultural elements alongside BTS’s signature contemporary sound.
During their hiatus, several members pursued successful solo projects, keeping the BTS brand active in global entertainment while fulfilling their military obligations. The group’s influence extends far beyond music, with significant cultural and economic impact that has helped propel Korean entertainment into mainstream global consciousness.
Industry analysts expect the album and subsequent tour to generate substantial revenue and cultural interest, continuing BTS’s role as global ambassadors for Korean culture. The group’s return comes as the K-pop industry continues to expand internationally, with BTS maintaining their position as the genre’s most recognized act despite their extended absence from the spotlight.
As March 20 approaches, fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting more details about what musical direction “ARIRANG” will take and how the group will evolve following their individual growth during the hiatus period.
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11 Comments
I like how BTS is partnering with Target for exclusive album editions. That’s a smart move to drive pre-order sales and further engage their dedicated fanbase.
Yes, the exclusive album editions and collectibles will likely be a big draw for fans looking to get their hands on unique BTS merchandise.
The nearly four-year hiatus is quite long for a popular act like BTS. But their massive global following will surely welcome them back with open arms. This comeback is sure to generate a lot of buzz in the music world.
Absolutely. BTS has built such a dedicated fanbase that their return is highly anticipated. The music industry will be watching closely to see if they can maintain their remarkable momentum.
The title ‘ARIRANG’ is intriguing. I wonder if it holds any special meaning or significance for the band. Regardless, I’m sure BTS fans are counting down the days until the March 20 release.
While I’m not a huge K-pop fan, I respect BTS’s immense popularity and influence. Their ability to connect with audiences worldwide is quite remarkable. This new album release will surely be a major event in the music industry.
That’s a fair perspective. BTS has truly become a global phenomenon, transcending the K-pop genre. Their upcoming album will be closely watched, even by those not necessarily fans of their music.
Exciting news! BTS is back with a new album ‘ARIRANG’. After a long break, their comeback is sure to be highly anticipated by their global fanbase. I’m curious to see what musical direction they’ll take this time.
Agreed, BTS always delivers fresh and innovative sounds. I’m looking forward to hearing how their music has evolved during their hiatus.
After their military service obligations, it will be interesting to see how BTS’s sound and creative approach has evolved. I’m sure their loyal fans are eager to hear what the group has been working on.
I’m curious to learn more about the album’s concept and themes. BTS has always used their music to convey meaningful messages, so I’m interested to see what they have to say this time around.