All seven members of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS have returned to South Korea on August 28, 2025, after spending two months in the United States working on their highly anticipated new album. The group's label, Big Hit Music, had previously announced that the album is slated for release in Spring 2026, marking their first full-length release in nearly six years.
The members' arrival back home has generated immense excitement among fans, who have been eagerly awaiting updates on the group's upcoming projects. BTS's last full album was 'Map of the Soul: 7,' released in 2020. In 2022, they released the anthology album 'Proof' in celebration of their 10th anniversary which included some new tracks.
RM, Suga, J-Hope, and Jungkook were the first to be spotted at Incheon International Airport in the early hours of Thursday morning. Dressed casually, the members appeared to be in high spirits, waving to the cameras and expressing their gratitude to the photojournalists present. They did not offer any specific updates about the album but conveyed their excitement about returning home.
Prior to this, Jin had already returned to South Korea and was seen attending TXT's concert and hosting a wedding for a BIGHIT MUSIC manager. V made an appearance at Dodger Stadium to throw the ceremonial first pitch on August 25 before also returning home. Jimin had also arrived separately, accompanied by his manager.
The group had flown to Los Angeles in early July to begin working on the album. RM had traveled ahead of the other members to "set things up" for their arrival. It was reported that the group would be staying in the US for approximately two months to focus on the album's planning, concept, direction, and song selection. They were expected to collaborate with globally celebrated producers and musicians, including Diplo and Charlie Puth, with whom they have worked in the past.
Following their return to South Korea, BTS is expected to continue working on their album. Reports suggest that they will be working with producer PDOGG to finalize the album. The album is particularly significant as it marks their first comeback since all members completed their mandatory military service. Jin and J-hope completed their training in 2024. While Seokjin was released in June last year, Hobi was discharged in October following their enlistment in December 2022 and April 2023, respectively. The remaining five members, notably V, Namjoon, Jungkook, Jimin, and SUGA, were released in June 2025.
The anticipation surrounding the new album is immense, with many fans believing it will be the "album of the century". Some fans speculate that the group may have filmed content in the US to be released in conjunction with the album. There is also considerable excitement about a potential world tour following the album's release.
In related news, Jimin is currently facing dating rumors with actress Song Da-eun, which have resurfaced after a video allegedly filmed by Song went viral. Big Hit Music has not commented on the rumors.