BTS confirm first group album since 2022
BTS have confirmed they are working on a new album, marking their return to group activity after a lengthy hiatus.
BTS have announced that they are working on a new album, confirming their return to full group activity following a prolonged hiatus for mandatory military service. The release will be the group’s first studio album since 2022 and represents a significant moment in their career after several years focused largely on solo projects.
The announcement was made through the group’s official channels and comes as all seven members either complete or conclude their military obligations. While details around the album’s title, release date and tracklist have not yet been disclosed, the project is expected to be released later this year. Further information is set to be shared in stages over the coming months.
BTS stepped back from group releases in late 2022, citing the need to fulfil South Korea’s compulsory military service requirements. During this period, the members pursued individual work across music, performance and other creative fields, releasing solo albums and singles that explored different styles and personal perspectives. Despite the pause in group activity, BTS remained a constant presence in the global music conversation through these releases.
The forthcoming album marks the group’s first opportunity to reunite creatively since that hiatus. According to their label, the project has been developed collaboratively, with all members contributing to the writing and production process. The record is expected to reflect both their individual growth during the past few years and their shared identity as a group.
The group remain one of the most commercially successful acts in modern music, with a global audience that spans physical sales, streaming, touring and merchandising. Their previous releases have consistently set benchmarks across international charts, and their return is expected to have a noticeable impact on release schedules and promotional cycles throughout the industry.
The announcement also follows a period of wider change within the K-pop sector, as several leading groups navigate military service timelines, contract renewals and evolving international strategies. BTS’s return could help re-establish a sense of stability and momentum for large-scale group releases within the genre.
While no tour has been officially confirmed, speculation around live performances has already begun. The group last toured together in 2022, and any future shows would mark their first collective live appearances in several years. For now, the focus remains on the album itself, with fans and industry observers awaiting further updates.