There is an unchanging rule in the life cycle of K-pop idols: the golden era of their careers is often very short. That is why they have to debut at a very young age—around 14 or 15, or even earlier—and work continuously and relentlessly after debut to maintain their popularity before they become “too old” to be loved.

Fierce competition, rapidly shifting trends, and the short lifespan of music releases make it difficult for many groups to hold onto their position for a long time. Quite a few groups see their popularity decline after five to seven years of activity, or disband due to contracts, differing directions, or personal pressure.

BTS are one of the rare exceptions who are not bound by this rule. Not only have they maintained long-lasting popularity for over a decade, but they have also continued to “pave the way,” reaching new peaks and expanding their global influence across many different fields.

Even after being absent for three years due to military service, BTS have still kept global fans in a constant frenzy as they prepare to return with their album ARIRANG this coming March. Over four million copies were pre-ordered within the first week of pre-orders opening—breaking the previous record that they themselves had set—and all tickets for 44 stadium shows sold out, with many venues selling out within just minutes. These are just two of the hundreds of impressive figures that can be cited as examples of the group’s comeback.

BTS are well aware that they want to meet fans, make music, and achieve as much as possible while they still can, because time waits for no one. That is why they quickly returned with an album and a world tour right after completing their military service. Therefore, when it comes to the topic of “retirement,” it seems far too early. What is striking, however, is that the members are very open about this topic, and do not hide the fact that they have already considered long-term plans for the group’s future.

During a performance while chatting with fans, SUGA sincerely shared: "I envision myself performing until my 60s". In response to fans chanting, Please grace the stage till your final moments," he jokingly said: "Let me rest a little bit before I ∂ιє though. I don't think I'll be able to even hold a mic at that age!"

SUGA’s remarks reminded many fans of when RM once stated in an interview that BTS would keep performing until they became fathers, or even grandfathers: “This is us talking because we want to do this for a long time. We pαѕѕed the so-called seven-year limits… BTS stands for Bangtan Boys, and we envision ourselves becoming Bangtan Papas or even Bangtan Grandpas. Maybe 20 or 30 years later. That’s what we want. BTP let’s go!” 

Meanwhile, in a magazine interview not long ago, j-hope revealed that he and the members had even thought about the idea of forming a band together once they turned 60. According to MK Sports, he explained that conversations like "How long can we keep dancing?" and "Let's do a band in our 60s" naturally came up as the members began seriously thinking about how to continue making music as they grow older—reflecting their deep desire for BTS to continue existing long after their peak years.

Regarding the band idea, each member even seriously chose an instrument to start learning from now. “Bαѕѕ would be RM, guitar would be Yoongi, and keyboard would be Jungkook,” j-hope gave as an example. As for himself, he said he would play the drums because he likes the instrument, and partly because of the influence of his father, who was a sкιℓℓed drummer back in university.

Finally, bringing the focus back to the present, j-hope expressed that he and the BTS members are prioritizing the album and world tour as their top tasks in the near future—showing that the seven-member group is taking their spring 2026 comeback very seriously after completing their military service.

As BTS themselves shared both their short-term and long-term plans, fans wholeheartedly agreed and could not be more satisfied. Many even joked that by the time BTS are in their 50s or 60s, they themselves would be struggling to attend concerts on trembling legs, or might not even be able to see their idols clearly due to presbyopia:

- I hope they still performed at 60 too, at the very least it might help to stop the rampant ageism that goes on in entertainment.

- You can rest anytime you want but we will always be there to support you

- He said the truth but i think if they hold a concert at 60yrs old, i will be about 50s and it is still good for me to dance with other fellow ARMYs

- Yes and after 60s they will grow old together as dads, live their own happy life with their lovers and we still witness them

- This is the most beautiful moment of my life and i think BTS too

- BTS talking about performing until 60 is both inspiring and terrifying… like pls stay healthy kings

- I’m actually crying this is the cutest future plan ever

- The fact that they’re already thinking long-term instead of chasing short-term hype is why bts will always be different

- Not yoongi saying ‘let me rest before i ∂ιє’. He’s so real for that lmao

- If bts are still touring at 60 then i’ll be there too… even if i need a cane and glαѕѕes