LOS ANGELES — Global K-pop group BTS has officially initiated preparations for their 2026 comeback with a songwriting camp in the United States, marking their first full-group project since completing mandatory military service.
Group leader RM arrived in Los Angeles on July 6, followed by members SUGA, Jimin, and Jungkook on July 7, to begin work on a new full-length album, BigHit Music confirmed. Member V is expected to join the camp after concluding his commitments with Celine at Paris Fashion Week.
Members Jin and J-Hope, who also concluded their military duties in June 2025, are currently in South Korea but remain active in preparations for the group’s comeback and world tour slated for 2026.
On July 1, BTS appeared publicly as a full group for the first time since 2022 via a Weverse livestream, where they confirmed plans for a new album and an international tour.
“Hey guys, we are back,” said Jimin during the broadcast, drawing an enthusiastic response from fans.
The upcoming album will be BTS’s first group release since “BE” in 2020, and the 2026 world tour will be their first global concert series since “Permission to Dance on Stage.”
The group’s ARMY fandom has expressed widespread excitement online, as BTS resumes creative activities as a complete unit after nearly three years of individual projects and military service.
Further details on the album’s concept, release date, and tour schedule are expected to be announced in the coming months.