It’s 2026 and the moment many ARMYs – myself included – have waited for. 

It came in the form of a letter to those with a golden membership. ARMY were essentially the first to be told about the comeback. While there have been hints with the members' appearing on many Weverse lives lately, the time had come for the letter to land in the laps of fans with good news. BTS is back. Penned by each member and delivered directly to fans’ homes, the letters expressed gratitude to those who have stood by the band over the years.

Photo Courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC

The cryptic date on the letter simply stated 20.03.26, dressed with an equally cryptic logo.  Then, on Friday, 2nd January, a mysterious website appeared with a countdown to the album release alongside the tour tab. One thing is clear: this comeback rollout is set to be bigger and explosive and to keep everyone on their toes. It’s also a testament to the group's power; having essentially been out of full group activities, their staying power has been momentous. With the fans adamant and determined to make their own presence felt. Be it fan projects, recharting past important songs, and making sure the boy's work is never far from being talked about. It’s no surprise then that the fandom was the first to be informed.

Photo Courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC

As always, acting as the group’s biggest and most powerful tool to spread the wonderful news of their long-awaited return.  

Everything aligned perfectly on Sunday, 4th January, when BIGHIT MUSIC added to the excitement by not just confirming the album with a pre-order date but also announcing the addition of a world tour to support the album, with an announcement scheduled on the 14th. This marks their first large-scale tour in approximately four years since 'BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE,' which concluded in Las Vegas in April 2022. The full-length album will have 14 brand-new tracks, all written and produced by the members themselves. This marks their first studio album since 2020’s BE. While 2022’s Proof served as a career-spanning anthology full of memories, reflections, and nostalgia, with their songs being the soundtrack to their youth and what is to come. The album saw three new original tracks, with lead single “Yet to Come” proudly stating their future dreams.

Even now, the lyrics from that era echo the intention BTS chose to carry forward as Chapter Two came to a close. In a statement, BIGHIT explained, “Featuring 14 tracks, the album is packed with honest stories that BTS wants to share with ARMY, who have been waiting for their comeback as a whole group. Filled with the music that’s most true to BTS, the album is their heartfelt way of saying thank you to ARMY, who has been there this whole time. Adding that: “The new album holds special significance as it marks the first album released by the group in three years and nine months, while also indicating the direction the group will take going forward. The members were deeply involved in the creation of the songs, infusing their own thoughts and colours into them while musically expressing the emotions and struggles they have experienced along their journey.”

With the military enlistment over, and chapter two packed with new sides and exploration of stories and sound, this album looks set to be their most personal yet. The fresh start is on its way, and it’s undoubtedly going to be BTS’s year. The wait will be more than worth it. 

The album is available for pre-order from 11 am, Friday, January 16, 2026 (KST), with the release scheduled for 1 pm, Friday, March 20, 2026 (KST). The world tour announcement will follow on the 14th January at 12pm KST.