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BTS is officially back together, and the group’s next chapter is already in motion, with major plans for a full-length studio album and world tour set for 2026. On July 1, the group confirmed that fans can expect a new album in the spring of next year, marking their first group release in six years since Map of the Soul: 7 in 2020. Following this announcement, several members began flying out to Los Angeles to begin preparations. RM departed on July 6, with SUGA, Jimin, and Jungkook following on July 7. V is expected to join them directly after wrapping up his Paris Fashion Week schedule with Celine. Jin and J-Hope will finish their respective solo engagements before meeting the rest of the group in the U.S.
According to Korean media outlet Dispatch, BTS is embarking on a two-month song camp in the U.S. to kickstart the album production process. Rather than returning to Korea anytime soon, the seven members are reportedly focused on fully immersing themselves in creating music—concepts, lyrics, and overall direction—all of which they plan to personally oversee. This will be their first full-group studio album since Map of the Soul: 7, an era that solidified their global influence with hits like “Boy With Luv” and collaborations with artists such as Halsey and Troye Sivan. That album topped the Billboard 200 and made waves across international charts, and the same level of success is widely expected for their upcoming release.
The upcoming project will also include contributions from overseas producers, with plans to incorporate a wide range of musical influences as the group moves between cities during the creative process. Meanwhile, the members are still balancing individual schedules. J-Hope is set to headline Lollapalooza Berlin on July 13 before linking up with the group. Jin, fresh off his military discharge, will perform in Osaka on July 12 and 13, then embark on a short solo tour across the U.S. and Europe—including stops in Anaheim, Dallas, Tampa, London, and Amsterdam. He’ll join the rest of the group in Los Angeles once that leg is complete.
With BTS finally regrouped and diving into the creative process together again, anticipation is sky-high. Their comeback promises not only a major musical return, but also a powerful reminder of their unmatched synergy and global reach as a seven-member team.