Global pop sensation BTS is poised for one of the most anticipated returns in music history, with the group's full seven-member reunion set to culminate in a new studio album, a historic live streamed concert and the launch of their massive "BTS World Tour 'Arirang'" in the coming weeks.

The K-pop supergroup — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — completed mandatory military service in South Korea last year, with Suga as the final member discharged in June 2025. The hiatus allowed each member to pursue solo projects while fans, known as ARMY, eagerly awaited news of a group comeback.

Korean band BTS appears at the daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing of the White House in Washington, DC, May 31, 2022
Korean band BTS appears at the daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing of the White House in Washington, DC, May 31, 2022

That wait ends this month. BTS's fifth studio album, titled "Arirang," is scheduled for release on March 20, 2026. The project is described by sources close to the group as a reflective exploration of personal growth, longing and love, building on the themes that have defined their discography since their 2013 debut.

To mark the album drop, BTS will headline a special comeback concert titled "BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang" on March 21, 2026, at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. The open-air event, directed by veteran concert filmmaker Hamish Hamilton, will stream live globally on Netflix, allowing millions of fans worldwide to witness the performance in real time. The setlist is expected to blend classic hits with new tracks from "Arirang," transforming the historic plaza — often called the "Street of Six Ministries" and a symbol of Korean heritage — into a massive stage.

Netflix will follow up with additional BTS content later in March. A feature-length documentary, "BTS: The Return," premieres March 27, 2026, offering an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the group's preparations, reunions and creative process leading to this chapter.

The momentum builds into April with the official kickoff of the "BTS World Tour 'Arirang.'" The tour begins April 9, 2026, with the first of three shows at Goyang Sports Complex Main Stadium in Goyang, South Korea (additional dates April 11 and 12). It then moves to Tokyo, Japan, for two nights on April 17 and 18.

The North American leg starts April 25-26 and 28 in Tampa, Florida, at Raymond James Stadium, with additional multi-night stands planned in major markets including Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium (four shows in September) and other U.S. venues. The itinerary spans Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America and Oceania, with confirmed stops in cities such as London (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, July 6-7), Madrid, Brussels and more. Organizers have indicated the full run could exceed 82 dates across 34 cities in 23 countries, extending into March 2027, with potential additions in regions like the Middle East and Japan.

This marks BTS's first large-scale world tour in four years, following the 2019 "Love Yourself: Speak Yourself" run. Analysts project massive commercial success. Financial experts at firms including IBK Investment & Securities and Heungkuk Securities estimate the 2026 portion alone could generate at least $1.87 billion in ticket and merchandise revenue, potentially rivaling Taylor Swift's "Eras Tour" as one of the highest-grossing concert series ever. Projections factor in average attendance of 64,000 per show and total crowds exceeding 5-6 million fans across the confirmed and anticipated dates.

Tickets for many shows sold out rapidly during presales and general onsales in January and February 2026, with secondary market demand driving high resale prices in some markets. To broaden access, select concerts will be available via live cinema broadcasts. In partnership with Trafalgar Releasing, HYBE and BIGHIT MUSIC, full-length live viewings of the April 11 Goyang show and April 18 Tokyo performance will screen in theaters across more than 75 countries starting in April. Tickets went on sale February 25, 2026, via dedicated sites like btsliveviewing.com.

The tour features a 360-degree in-the-round stadium production, promising immersive visuals, elaborate staging and high-energy choreography that have become BTS hallmarks. Members have teased innovative set designs and fan-engagement elements to celebrate the reunion.

BIGHIT MUSIC and Live Nation, the tour promoters, continue to update schedules via official channels including Weverse, btsworldtourofficial.com and 2026bts.com. Recent notices include details for North America and Europe ticketing, as well as online live streaming options for select Korean shows.

The comeback arrives at a pivotal moment for K-pop's global dominance. BTS's influence extends beyond music into fashion, philanthropy and cultural diplomacy, with the group previously addressing the United Nations and earning multiple Grammy nominations. This return underscores their enduring appeal, with analysts noting the tour's scale could set new benchmarks for concert economics and fan experiences.

Fans worldwide have expressed excitement mixed with logistical planning for travel and tickets. Social media buzz around #BTSArirang and #BTS2026 has trended repeatedly since announcements began in early 2026.

As March approaches, anticipation builds for what many call BTS's most significant era yet — a triumphant return fueled by new music, historic performances and a world tour designed to reconnect with ARMY on an unprecedented scale.