BTS returns after nearly four years as K-pop remains global

BTS will announce world tour dates and plans a new album for March after all members completed mandatory military service; their comeback comes as K-pop has grown into a more crowded, global industry.

BTS is making a group comeback after a hiatus that began in 2022. The band will announce world tour dates and locations as their announcement goes live in Seoul, and a new album is expected in March. All seven members completed mandatory military service by 2025 and released solo work during the pause. Their return arrives amid a changing K-pop landscape, with the genre now firmly established around the world. Known details: - The group is set to reveal tour dates and locations during an announcement in Seoul. - A new BTS album is expected to be released in March, the first group album in nearly four years. - All seven members completed South Korea's mandatory military service by 2025 following their 2022 hiatus. - Fans known as ARMY reacted strongly, with reports of celebrations, travel plans, and close attention to a teased image from the band. - The industry context includes wider global adoption of K-pop and recent high-profile legal disputes involving Hybe and artist-label relations. Summary: BTS’s comeback is presented as a major cultural moment that coincides with K-pop’s deeper mainstream presence and a more competitive industry. The immediate next step is the tour announcement in Seoul, followed by the album release planned for March. Observers note ongoing industry shifts tied to legal and business developments. Undetermined at this time.