Global K-pop sensation BTS is officially making their grand return. The band has finally unveiled key details about their highly anticipated fifth studio album, titled ARIRANG. Alongside the album announcement, BTS revealed plans for an extensive 79-date world tour, set to kick off in Goyang, South Korea, on April 9, 2026.
ARIRANG Album Release and Pre-Order Details
ARIRANG will drop on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 1 PM Korean Standard Time, which translates to 9:30 AM Indian Standard Time. Physical album shipments will commence on the same day, following the order of purchase across all regions. The album boasts a total of 14 tracks, promising a rich listening experience for fans.
Pre-orders for ARIRANG opened on Friday, January 16, starting at 11 AM KST (7:30 AM IST). Enthusiasts can secure their copies through both online and offline music retailers worldwide. In India, fans can pre-order directly via the Weverse platform, which delivers to the country. Simply create a Weverse account and place your order through the Weverse Shop online.
Multiple Formats and Creative Significance
Big Hit Music, BTS's label, shared an official update on Weverse confirming that ARIRANG will be available in several formats. These include standard physical albums, Weverse-exclusive editions, digital versions, and multiple vinyl releases, catering to diverse listener preferences.
This album marks a new creative chapter for BTS, following their fourth studio album, Map of the Soul: 7, which released in February 2020. ARIRANG represents the group's first full-group project since the 2022 anthology album Proof. Members reportedly dedicated much of the second half of 2025 to focused album production.
The Meaning Behind ARIRANG
The title ARIRANG draws inspiration from Korea's iconic folk song of the same name. This choice symbolizes themes of homecoming and resilience. UNESCO recognizes Arirang as a famous Korean folk song tradition, passed down orally over generations and appearing in various traditional, symphonic, and modern forms.
Forbes notes that the song has become almost an unofficial national anthem in South Korea, with an estimated history of over 600 years and around 3,600 variations across 60 different versions. BTS previously performed an Arirang medley at KCON 2016 in France, showcasing their connection to this cultural heritage.
Reasons for the Six-Year Gap
The six-year interval between BTS's studio albums is their longest break to date. A primary reason was South Korea's mandatory military service. Between late 2022 and mid-2025, all seven members completed their enlistments, which lasted between 18 and 21 months. The final member, Suga, received his discharge on June 21, 2025, making full-group activities impossible during this period.
Another significant factor was the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely disrupted promotional plans for Map of the Soul: 7. The 2020 world tour faced postponement and eventual cancellation. Consequently, BTS shifted focus to digital performances and global singles like Dynamite and Butter. From 2022 to 2024, the group also concentrated on solo projects to develop individual musical identities.
After releasing Proof, each member pursued personal endeavors before reuniting for ARIRANG. Following their military service completion, BTS initiated a song camp in Los Angeles in July 2025, collaborating closely on the new 14-track album.
BTS World Tour 2026-27 Schedule
The announced world tour spans multiple continents with 79 dates. Here are some key highlights from the schedule:
- April 9, 11–12: Goyang, South Korea – Goyang Stadium
- April 17–18: Tokyo, Japan – Tokyo Dome
- April 25–26: Tampa, FL, USA – Raymond James Stadium
- May 2–3: El Paso, TX, USA – Sun Bowl Stadium
- May 7, 9–10: Mexico City, Mexico – Estadio GNP Seguros
- May 16–17: Stanford, CA, USA – Stanford Stadium
- May 23–24, 27: Las Vegas, NV, USA – Allegiant Stadium
- June 12–13: Busan, South Korea – Venue TBA
- June 26–27: Madrid, Spain – Riyadh Air Metropolitano
- July 1–2: Brussels, Belgium – King Baudouin Stadium
- July 6–7: London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- July 11–12: Munich, Germany – Allianz Arena
- July 17–18: Paris, France – Stade de France
- August 1–2: East Rutherford, NJ, USA – MetLife Stadium
- August 5–6: Foxborough, MA, USA – Gillette Stadium
- August 10–11: Baltimore, MD, USA – M&T Bank Stadium
- August 15–16: Arlington, TX, USA – AT&T Stadium
- August 22–23: Toronto, Canada – Rogers Stadium
- August 27–28: Chicago, IL, USA – Soldier Field
- September 1–2, 5–6: Los Angeles, CA, USA – SoFi Stadium
- October 2–3: Bogotá, Colombia – Venue TBA
- October 9–10: Lima, Peru – Venue TBA
- October 16–17: Santiago, Chile – Venue TBA
- October 23–24: Buenos Aires, Argentina – Venue TBA
- October 28, 30–31: São Paulo, Brazil – Venue TBA
- November 19, 21–22: Kaohsiung, Taiwan – Venue TBA
- December 3, 5–6: Bangkok, Thailand – Venue TBA
- December 12–13: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Venue TBA
- December 17, 19–20, 22: Singapore – National Stadium
- December 26–27: Jakarta, Indonesia – Venue TBA
- February 12–13: Melbourne, Australia – Venue TBA
- February 20–21: Sydney, Australia – Venue TBA
- March 4, 6–7: Hong Kong – Venue TBA
- March 13–14: Manila, Philippines – Venue TBA
This announcement has sparked immense excitement among fans worldwide, who have eagerly awaited a full-group comeback. The tour promises to bring BTS's electrifying performances to cities across the globe, celebrating their return to the stage with ARIRANG.
