BTS had already announced their return as a full group after a three-year hiatus due to military service as soon as 2026 began, making fans eagerly anticipate the moment. However, it wasn’t until February 2, when fans saw all the BTS members together at the airport for the first time, that they truly felt the full impact of BTS as seven being back and that D-day was closer than ever.

Even RM confirmed the group’s restart through an Instagram post, clearly stating, “BTS is back to business after four years.” Shortly before that, while talking about the group’s comeback, RM also reαѕѕured fans by saying, “Above all, the music's sounding really great !! Everyone's putting in a lot of effort. Please look forward to it. Hwaitting 2026 BTS & ARMY.”

Meanwhile, regarding BTS’s early-year departure, кσяєαn media widely reported that the group had headed to the UAE for a private schedule ahead of their comeback on March 20. However, in reality, the group only transited through the UAE, and their final destination was Lisbon, Portugal. After about a week of work there, on February 9, some local fans reported that BTS were on their way back to South кσяєα, concluding this highly anticipated secret overseas schedule.

Photos and videos of the members at the airport on their return day were quickly captured by local fans. BTS were accompanied by numerous security guards and close managers, and even local ρσℓι¢є were deployed to ensure safety during their appearance. As a result, they were able to move comfortably and encountered no difficulties while completing airport procedures at Lisbon Airport, while fans sent them warm farewell greetings.

Most notably, despite their packed schedule and constant travel, BTS once again made ARMYs swoon with their incredibly friendly attitude. When they heard their names being called from the crowd, j-hope and Jimin couldn’t hide their bright smiles. While waiting to check in, the two with Jungkook repeatedly waved goodbye to fans with affectionate gazes, and these moments quickly went viral on social media.

One fan exclaimed, “They look so happy and full of energy. Their eyes really melted my heart. Have a safe flight, BTS.” Other fans also began reacting in a similar way, unable to contain their emotions:

- Jimin doesn’t need a filter. He looks gorgeous with his flawless skin and glowing. Have a safe flight Tannies

- OMGGGG JIMIN FROM CLOSER ANGLE. He's SO PRETTY

- Love of my life, I love you forever, beautiful and perfect. Have a safe flight. See you soon

- Hobi’s smile really warmed my heart. I’ve been waiting for this day for three years—BTS as seven is amazing

- BTS as seven together is the warmest. They look so full of energy, especially the maknae line when they’re with the hyungs

- The way they smiled and waved back is so precious. They’re always so kind to ARMY

- Jimin and Hobi acknowledging fans like that… my heart literally can’t handle it

- Their eyes were so gentle, you can tell they genuinely love ARMY. This is so emotional

- Seeing them together like this makes me even more impatient for March 20. Comeback can’t come fast enough!

- Watching them interact like this makes the waiting time harder—March feels so far away