This is it, ARMYs! BTS is set for a grand return on March 20, with a new album, a Netflix documentary, and a large-scale world tour. Can’t keep up with the news? We got you.
Global superstars BTS is coming back next month, and they’re clearly not holding back. Alongside a brand-new album, the septet’s schedules are fully booked until next year with an expansive world tour spanning five continents.
In addition, the comeback preparations are shaping up to be their grandest yet, with an upcoming city-wide festival and a special partnership with Netflix to memorialize their return in all its glory.
With so many events to look forward to, we’ve compiled all the most important details to keep you in the loop. Here’s everything you need to know about the much-awaited BTS comeback!
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BTS The Fifth Album, ARIRANG
BTS’ label, BIGHIT MUSIC, confirmed their world tour and album at the height of the new year. Through a new website and Weverse notice, they expressed the deep significance of the album:
Filled with the music that’s most true to BTS, the album is their heartfelt way of saying thank you to ARMY, who have been there this whole time.
The unexpected announcement also included the album’s release date: March 20, 2026.
The first official news of their comeback naturally sent the world into a frenzy, with millions expressing their excitement. All members are said to have played an active role in crafting the 14-track album, aiming to stay true to themselves and share their honest stories with ARMYs. This record marks their return as a full group after completing their mandatory military service in 2025.
Both BTS and BIGHIT MUSIC are keeping many of the album’s details secret. Aside from the number of tracks, everything else is unknown; even the artwork for the albums is shown as blank canvases. However, on the same day as the start of pre-orders, they slightly answered everyone’s curiosity by confirming the album title: ARIRANG.
“Arirang” holds a profound importance to Korea and its citizens. Alongside being a well-loved traditional folk song, the word itself reflects centuries of history, cultural heritage, and identity. With a title that possesses such meaning, their comeback album will certainly be one of their most reflective works to date.
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Painting South Korea Purple with BTS The City
Through a press release, BIGHIT MUSIC also announced a large-scale project to celebrate their comeback. BTS The City Arirang Seoul is a citywide festival set to turn South Korea’s capital into a massive cultural stage. It will run from March 20 until April 12, ensuring fans will have ample time to bask in the festivities.
From outdoor installations to interactive programs, Seoul will be packed full of activities to experience. Major landmarks, such as N Seoul Tower and Sungnyemun Gate, will also be adorned with media facades to showcase the harmony of tradition and modern technology.
Of course, BTS The City wouldn’t be complete without the main highlight themselves. On March 21, BTS will hold a momentous concert at Gwanghwamun Square. The said event will feature them performing their new songs at one of Korea’s historic sites. Not only is it free, but it will also be streamed live for global fans on Netflix.
Although no details have been finalized, BIGHIT MUSIC also plans to expand the project globally. The news has us wondering whether it’ll be included at some lucky tour stops.
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Stay Tuned: Comeback Livestream and Documentary on Netflix
In partnership with Netflix, BTS’ first-ever full-group performance will be live-streamed exclusively on the platform. The comeback live will be led by Hamish Hamilton, who most recently directed Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Additionally, the streaming giant will release another BTS special titled BTS: The Return on March 27. Directed by Bao Nguyen, the documentary will offer an intimate look behind the making of ARIRANG while highlighting the boys’ creative process and personal reflections.
This recent collaboration between Netflix and HYBE is great news for global ARMYs, as it promises more accessible BTS content in the near future.
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Arirang World Tour: Sold Out Shows and Many More to Come
On January 13, BIGHIT MUSIC announced the world tour dates via their social media accounts. With 34 cities and 82 dates, it spans across Asia, Australia, North and South America, and Europe, with more dates to be announced in the future. The tour will kick off with a three-day concert in South Korea in April 2026 and will extend into the following year.
For PH ARMYs, the last announced stop was Manila with two confirmed dates: March 13 and 14, 2027. While no details have been announced just yet, Live Nation Philippines has been confirmed as the official promoter for the forthcoming concerts. According to their post, venue and ticketing information will be announced at a later date.
Just recently, ticket sales for the North American and European leg of the tour concluded with record-breaking results. As confirmed by Live Nation, all 41 stadium dates are now sold out, including the newly added shows in Tampa, Stanford, and Las Vegas. This follows the ticket-selling in South Korea, which was wiped out in a flash during the pre-sale.
That’s all we know so far about BTS’ highly-anticipated comeback! What are you most excited for, ARMY?
Sources: BIGHIT MUSIC, HYBE, Naver (News1), Netflix, Live Nation, Live Nation Philippines
