Recent reports suggesting that BTS was involved in a Michael Jackson tribute album have been refuted by the K-pop group's agency, Hybe. The rumors, which circulated rapidly online, claimed that BTS had recorded an unreleased track by the "King of Pop" at Grouse Lodge Studios in Ireland.

The speculation began when The Irish Sun reported that BTS had collaborated with Grouse Lodge Studios for a Michael Jackson tribute album, which included unreleased songs written in Ireland for what was intended to be Jackson's next "Thriller" album. Paddy Dunning, the owner of Grouse Lodge Studios, fueled the rumors by stating in an interview that BTS had visited the studio and re-recorded one of Jackson's unreleased tracks. Dunning also mentioned that about ten more songs, written by Jackson's collaborators, including Rodney Jerkins and rapper Nephew, were part of the tribute album project. He claimed that recording sessions had started the previous year and that he had obtained permission from Jackson's estate to release the song and a documentary about Jackson's time in Ireland.

However, Hybe, the parent company of BTS' agency Big Hit Music, has firmly denied these claims. In a statement released on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Hybe stated that "BTS has neither visited Grouse Lodge Studio in Ireland nor recorded any music there". The company further asserted that "reports claiming the group participated in a Michael Jackson tribute album are also untrue" and that they are taking action to prevent the spread of inaccurate information.

Adding to the confusion, some fan accounts had already announced BTS's involvement in the project, even stating that recording sessions had taken place. This led to widespread excitement among fans, with many expressing their enthusiasm for the "iconic crossover" and the opportunity for BTS to pay homage to Michael Jackson. Some fans noted that BTS has previously paid tribute to Jackson through their performances and music, including their hit song "Dynamite".

BTS themselves addressed the rumors directly, stating on X that they had not been "in any recording sessions at the location mentioned" and were "not involved in the tribute album in any capacity".

The tribute album, which has been dubbed "Jackson's next 'Thriller'," is reportedly set to be released alongside a documentary about the pop icon and his family's time in Ireland. Michael Jackson had spent time at Grouse Lodge Studios in 2006 after being acquitted of child abuse allegations, working on a planned comeback album that was never completed before his death in 2009.

While the collaboration between BTS and the Michael Jackson tribute album remains a false alarm, BTS is reportedly gearing up for their first album in four years, with production allegedly starting in the United States in July. The new record is expected to be the band's first as a complete group since "Proof" in 2022.