2022 – Jin becomes the first BTS member to enlist for mandatory military service, beginning the staggered enlistments that allow the group to minimize collective downtime[5].

June 2024 – Jin completes his service and is discharged, marking the first return of a member to civilian life[5].

June 2025 – Suga finishes his alternative social‑service duties after a shoulder injury, becoming the last member to be released and clearing the way for a full‑group reunion[7][6].

2025 – All seven members finish their mandatory service, ending the four‑year hiatus and setting the stage for a collective comeback[3][5].

2023 (legislative change) – The South Korean government amends the law to let K‑pop stars postpone enlistment until age 30, enabling BTS to stagger their service periods and preserve group activity[1].

Dec 6, 2025 – RM tells fans on Weverse that BTS is steadily preparing a new full‑group album for a spring 2026 release, noting daily practice, content filming, and past discussions of disbandment that ultimately reinforce their commitment to continue[15].

Dec 21, 2025 – During a Weverse livestream, RM announces a “real big thing” is coming as the album enters its revision phase, while J‑hope stresses that the coming year is crucial for BTS’s future[14].

Jan 1, 2026 – BigHit Music confirms a full‑group comeback on Mar 20, and RM’s New Year letter expresses that he has waited “more desperately than anyone else” for the return, underscoring the emotional weight of the reunion[13].

Jan 2, 2026 – BTS officially sets the Mar 20 comeback date, highlighting that Suga was the final member to finish service in June 2025 and that the other six completed army duty earlier, framing the release as the first group activity after the hiatus[7].

Jan 2, 2026 – Fans stream “Run BTS” to No. 1 on iTunes in 61 countries, a surge driven by ARMY activity that aligns with the announced March album and world‑tour plans[12].

Jan 13, 2026 – BTS unveils a 79‑date, 34‑region world tour—the largest in its career—starting Apr 9 in Goyang, featuring a 360‑degree stage, and projecting over $1 billion in combined revenue; the tour will accompany the March 20 album “ARIRANG,” and presale tickets open for ARMY members on Jan 22‑23[1][2][6][8][9].

Jan 15, 2026 – Target announces exclusive ARIRANG preorder editions, including ten vinyl variants and collectible photocards, with orders opening at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, adding a retail dimension to the comeback strategy[5].

Jan 26, 2026 – Mexican President Sheinbaum sends a letter to South Korea’s prime minister requesting additional BTS concerts after the three May 7, 9, 10 shows at Mexico City’s 65,000‑seat GNP Seguros Stadium sell out within a week, elevating fan demand to the presidential level[4].

Jan 26, 2026 – BigHit Music reports that tickets for the North American and European legs of the “Arirang” tour sell out instantly, confirming the tour as the largest K‑pop tour ever and prompting the addition of extra shows in Tampa, Stanford, and Las Vegas[10].

Mar 20, 2026 – BTS releases its fifth studio album “ARIRANG,” a 14‑track record that marks the first full‑group release since 2022’s “Proof” and the first after all members complete military service[10][4].

Mar 21, 2026 – BTS stages a free outdoor “comeback” concert at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, celebrating the album launch and offering fans a public performance the day after the release[10].

Apr 9‑12, 2026 – The world tour kicks off with three consecutive concerts at Goyang Sports Complex, drawing massive crowds and showcasing the 360‑degree stage concept[1][8].

Apr 17‑18, 2026 – BTS performs its first Japan shows in Tokyo, extending the Asian leg of the tour and reinforcing its global reach[8].

May 7, 9, 10, 2026 – BTS delivers three sold‑out shows at Mexico City’s GNP Seguros Stadium, each filling the 65,000‑seat venue and confirming the tour’s strong demand in Latin America[4].

July 6‑7, 2026 – BTS headlines two nights at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marking a high‑profile UK stop and highlighting the tour’s European expansion[1][2].

2026‑2027 (through Mar 2027) – The tour continues across North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and additional Asian markets, slated to conclude in Manila in March 2027, solidifying BTS’s longest and most geographically extensive concert run to date[3][9].

2026 (ongoing) – HYBE anticipates a profit rebound as BTS’s tour, album sales, merchandise, and licensing generate the projected $1 billion revenue, while the label simultaneously navigates a high‑profile legal dispute with NewJeans that could reshape industry dynamics[2][3].