BTS to release new album, go on tour after mandatory military service

After completing mandatory South Korean military service, the K-Pop powerhouse BTS is releasing its first original studio album in six years.

Big Hit Music, BTS' record label, announced on Sunday, Jan. 4 that the boy band will release its fifth studio album on March 20. The name of the new album has yet to be shared, but it will be the band's first original studio album since the release of "Be" in 2020. The band's latest project was an anthology album called "Proof," released in 2022.

"The members were deeply involved in the creation of the songs, infusing their own thoughts and colors into them while musically expressing the emotions and struggles they have experienced along their journey," a Big Hit Music statement announcing the album said.

How to listen to the new BTS album

BTS' fifth studio album officially drops on Friday, March 20 at 1 p.m. KST (Korea Standard Time) (Thursday, March 19 at 11 p.m. ET). The album will be available for pre-order starting on Friday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. KST (Thursday, Jan. 15 at 9 p.m. ET).

BTS world tour 2026 details

In conjunction with the album, BTS will host a 2026 world tour. The tour dates and cities will be announced on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at midnight KST (Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 10 a.m. ET), the Big Hit Music announcement states.

New album, tour follows members' military leave

The new album and tour come after the seven BTS members completed their mandatory South Korean military service. In South Korea, young men between the ages of 18 and 28 must enlist in the military, typically for 18 to 21 months, according to the language learning service 90 Day Korean.

Min Yoongi, who uses the stage name Suga, was the last of the members to complete his service, discharged in June 2025.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].