BTS returned with a deeply personal GQ interview and new album plans that signal a bold creative rebirth

13 February 2026

After nearly four years apart during which each member fulfilled mandatory military service in South Korea and pursued solo artistic endeavors, the seven members of BTS have reunited with renewed purpose and a remarkable sense of maturity as they prepare for one of the most anticipated comebacks in music history. In their first extended group interview for GQ, the band reflected on the journey that brought them back together, their new creative direction and the emotions behind the work that will soon be shared with their global audience. This moment is not merely a return to activity; it is a reintroduction of a group that has grown not only as performers but as individuals with deeper artistic ambitions and an unshakable bond.

For a generation of fans known collectively as ARMY, BTS’s reunion feels like the end of a long wait that began when the group announced a hiatus in 2022 to complete South Korea’s required military service. Over that time, each member carved out distinct musical identities that expanded their range from Jungkook’s chart-topping solo singles to Jin’s emotive ballads, from Suga’s introspective Agust D projects to J-Hope’s innovative explorations in hip-hop all of which contributed to a broader palette of experience that they now bring back into the collective fold.

In the GQ interview, BTS opened up about what the reunion has meant on a personal level. RM, leader of the group, spoke candidly about the emotional weight of returning to the studio, recalling a livestream where he confessed to fans he had thought of disbanding the group thousands of times during the hiatus. That rare moment of vulnerability underscored just how much the band members have wrestled with their identities as both individuals and a collective. Yet it also became a symbol of their enduring connection to each other and to the fans who have supported them through every phase of their career.

The collaborative process that led to their new music has been described as rigorous and heartfelt. After reuniting in Los Angeles, the members lived together again, working six days a week with a disciplined routine that mirrored their early trainee years while infusing their mature perspectives. Studio sessions went long into the evenings, blending their solo strengths with a renewed group dynamic. In many ways, their creative process was reminiscent of the band’s formative days but enriched by the artistic growth each member experienced while apart.

The forthcoming album, titled Arirang, is already generating intense anticipation around the world. Named after a traditional Korean folk song that evokes themes of connection and separation, the title reflects the group’s own journey a blend of personal introspection and collective identity that has become the hallmark of their music. Members have hinted that this album will showcase a diversity of genres and a more mature sound that embraces both introspection and the group’s signature energy. Rather than repeating past successes, BTS appears intent on pushing their creative boundaries while remaining true to the emotional depth that has always resonated with listeners.

This creative evolution comes hand in hand with plans for a massive world tour set to accompany the album’s release. Slated to run from spring 2026 through early 2027, the Arirang World Tour represents BTS’s commitment to reconnecting with fans around the globe after years apart, offering concertgoers not just familiar hits but the chance to experience new material that captures the group’s current artistic vision. The scale and anticipation of the tour suggest that BTS has firmly reclaimed its place at the forefront of global pop music, with ARMY’s excitement reaching a fever pitch as fans prepare for what many hope will be one of the most meaningful live experiences in recent entertainment history.

Throughout the interview, what stood out most was the group’s enduring camaraderie a brotherhood forged through years of shared struggle and triumph. Despite their fame and global influence, the members spoke about their bond in deeply human terms, emphasizing how they support one another emotionally and creatively. Comments from collaborators like Megan Thee Stallion, Halsey and Chris Martin emphasized the respect and affection their peers have for BTS, pointing to a collaborative spirit that transcends language and genre. These affirmations from fellow artists added another layer of resonance to the interview, underscoring BTS’s influence and the genuine friendships they have fostered along the way.

The band’s reflections also moved beyond work and performance. Members spoke about their military service with surprising candor, sharing how the experience grounded them in new ways and gave them a perspective on life beyond fame. Rather than viewing the hiatus as a setback, many described it as a period of personal growth that fed into their renewed collective purpose, allowing them to approach the reunion with humility and creative ambition.

BTS’s comeback is thus not just about returning to the charts or to the stage. It is a reaffirmation of a shared journey marked by resilience, evolution and unwavering dedication to their craft. With Arirang and the world tour on the horizon, the group seems poised to write one of the most compelling chapters in their already extraordinary story. For fans and casual listeners alike, this moment marks the beginning of a new era in BTS’s legacy one that honors their past, embraces their growth, and celebrates the bond that has sustained them through nearly two decades of music and impact.