K-pop juggernaut BTS announced its long-awaited comeback with a new album slated for March 20, BigHit Music confirmed Thursday.
The release marks the band's first album as a complete seven-member lineup after three years and nine months, following its anthology album "Proof" in June 2022.
BTS has been on hiatus as a group while its members fulfilled Korea's mandatory military service and pursued solo projects. All seven have now completed their service, with Suga the last to be discharged on June 21, 2025.
In celebration of the new year, the group sent printed copies of handwritten letters to members of its fan base, ARMY, as a gift to those who have maintained a Weverse membership for the last three years. The letters included the date "March 20, 2026," effectively revealing the timing of the return, alongside messages of gratitude to fans.
Shortly after fans received the letters, BigHit released a statement Thursday morning, officially confirming the album's release date.
In his letter, leader RM wrote that he had been "waiting for (this comeback) more than anyone else," while Jimin and j-hope described 2026 as "the year we finally meet again." Reflecting on the group's return, Jin wrote, "I've greeted you as a solo artist over the past two years and now I finally get to greet you again as part of the team."
Jungkook added, "My heart has always been the same. I'll keep doing my best, just as I always have." V told fans, "In 2026, we'll make even more and even better memories together, so please look forward to it," while Suga closed with a message: "Let's have a joyful year together."
Following the album's March release, the band is set to embark on a world tour. Additional details about the album and promotional activities will be announced in the coming weeks.