After a four-year hiatus that captivated millions of fans worldwide, the iconic South Korean K-pop group BTS is preparing to embark on a new era in their career. Hype Entertainment, the group's management company, announced on Wednesday a comprehensive comeback plan that includes a new album and a massive world tour beginning in the spring of 2026, encompassing multiple regions including the Middle East.
End of military service and the beginning of a new chapter
This highly anticipated comeback comes after the group's activities were put on hold in 2022, a decision made to allow all seven members to complete their mandatory military service in South Korea, which requires all able-bodied men under the age of 30 to serve. This period proved a true test of the group's popularity and the strength of their fanbase, known as ARMY. With all members now discharged from service, the group has set March 20th as the release date for their new album, their first full-length release since the record-breaking album "Proof" in 2022.
The biggest tour in K-pop history
According to the official announcement, the world tour will kick off in Goyang, South Korea, in April, with the group performing three concerts in their home country before launching internationally. The itinerary is set to be the largest in K-pop history, featuring 79 dates in 34 cities worldwide. After their domestic stops, the group will travel to Japan, then continue their journey to the United States and several European countries, including France, where they will perform on July 17 and 18. This marathon tour is scheduled to conclude in March 2027 in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
The Middle East is on BTS's map
In a move reflecting the growing interest in the Arab market, the production company confirmed that the tour program will be updated to include additional cities in Japan and the Middle East. This comes as a culmination of the band's immense popularity in the Arab region and builds upon their previous successes in concerts in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, further solidifying the region's position as a leading destination for international entertainment events.
Global economic and cultural impact
BTS's comeback isn't just about the music; it also carries significant economic and cultural dimensions. Economic analyst Kim Yoo-hyuk predicts that the tour will attract approximately 4.5 million attendees, generating substantial economic returns not only for the production company but also for the tourism and service sectors in the host countries. BTS is a unique musical phenomenon that has transcended South Korea's borders, achieving record-breaking numbers on Spotify and becoming the first Korean group to top the US Billboard charts, thus spearheading the spread of Korean culture (the Korean Wave) worldwide.
