BTS Gets Ready for 2026 Return as Agency Tensions Surface

• BTS has finished recording their next full-group album, which is expected to be released in spring 2026.
• BTS members deem the return to be important, but RM raised modest questions regarding agency support.
• The return of BTS is viewed as commercially essential, with a global tour planned and significant consequences for HYBE and K-pop.

BTS announced that it has finished recording its next full-group album, paving the way for what members view as a key year for the band. Following months of limited public activity during mandatory military duty, the group revealed during a Sunday livestream that the record is now in the “revision” process ahead of its potential spring 2026 release.

BTS leader RM stated during the live session that the project will go beyond a conventional comeback, describing it as “a real big thing,” with J-Hope adding that 2026 would be “crucial” to the group's future. 

Nevertheless, behind the optimism, RM expressed moderate dissatisfaction with the BTS group's agency, wishing that it showed them more “care and support.” Responding to this, Jin asked whether the agency’s support hadn't already been substantial, to which RM added, “I am not sure. I don't usually discuss things like this, but I just wish they would embrace us a bit more,” while admitting that they cannot discuss all details regarding their comeback project with fans at the moment.

BTS Comeback to Recalibrate K-pop Expectations?

Over the last year, all seven members of BTS have undergone South Korea's compulsory military service, which has slowed the group's output but maintained their relevance in the global music space. 

The timing of a unified comeback might re-energize the group's fan engagement and commercial momentum, following the success of the members' solo projects in recent months. Amidst this, the group’s old track Anpanman resurfaced on global music charts, underscoring BTS’s comeback excitement.

The group's livestream also confirmed plans for a world tour following the album's release, which is consistent with BTS's previous strategy of integrating studio work with major touring to boost sales and streaming success.

BTS's full-group return has far-reaching consequences for HYBE and the larger K-pop industry, where the group continues to be a bellwether for export revenue and brand value. With release details still unrevealed, the attention has switched to whether the album will set new prospects for K-pop's next development cycle following the group's military hiatus.