With the album ARIRANG, BTS has officially marked the return of their full lineup after more than three years of hiatus due to military service. This is not just a simple comeback, but also the beginning of the “BTS 2.0 era,” where the group is ready to experiment with new directions, both in music and entertainment content.

Following the grand and successful promotions for their fifth studio album, BTS is now gearing up for a world tour set to kick off on the 9th. Alongside the tour, there is another “treat” that ARMY has been eagerly anticipating: the return of the нιт series Run BTS!

Launched in 2015, Run BTS! is the group’s own variety show, where members take part in a wide range of challenges, games, and humorous activities. After nearly a decade and hundreds of episodes, the show has become an essential part of the bond between BTS and their fans. Its return has been highly anticipated by fans for months.

On the 7th, the first episode marking the comeback of Run BTS! officially aired with a duration of 12 minutes. Instead of jumping straight into the usual games, this opening episode mainly served as a space for BTS to share their ideas for the show’s “2.0” version. From changing the title and slogan to keeping up with trending YouTube content, the group clearly expressed their desire to refresh a format that has been with them for years. However, BTS emphasized one guiding principle: “Keeping things natural could work too.”

According to the members, Run BTS! 2.0 will no longer simply be a variety show filled with comedic challenges like before, but will instead adopt a more natural style, similar to vlogs or trending challenges. Even the filming locations will become more flexible, potentially taking place in the members’ own homes. Jimin was the one who initiated this idea, suggesting: “We could film one at your place then one at your place, too.”

In fact, this is not an entirely new idea. Previously, Jimin and Jungkook had discussed creating a “home variety show” in an episode of Are You Sure 2, believing that fans would love seeing their everyday lives.

However, what likely surprised many ARMYs the most is that Run BTS! 2.0 may no longer feature all seven members in every episode. Jin candidly shared: “Not all seven have to be present. It could just be one or two of us.” The members explained that their busy schedules—especially with the upcoming world tour—make it difficult to gather all seven for every shoot. Therefore, “whoever has time” will be the new way the show operates.

They also agreed on a more flexible approach: “If you want to do it alone, fine. Together, also fine. We just need to keep things going.”

This change has left many fans stunned, as it is completely different from the previous format of Run BTS! Nearly 200 episodes of the show have always been αѕѕociated with all seven members participating together in challenges—an element considered the “soul” of the program. As a result, shifting to a format that may feature only one or two members or smaller units has made some ARMYs feel a bit disappointed.

A fan commented: "You know what I’d rather wait 5 more years as long as they get to do content as 7 together regardless I'm still gonna watch what they put out but it would be more fun to continue the concept of old Run BTS". Another also wrote: "I know how tight their schedules are rn, but tbh, I'd sacrifice the “every tuesday” episodes, as long as they're all present as seven in all future Run BTS episodes. Idc if they'll only release eps once a month, I just need them all TOGETHER". 

A fan also pointed out that this change is quite a shame: "This will be very refreshing but I still feel bad for the new ARMY. Coz crazy BTS, competitive BTS is the best version of BTS. Ohh the betrayal for a little money or a rice cooker is all I was looking forward to".

However, after hearing the members’ explanations, some fans have begun to understand and sympathize with the decision. They also pointed out that, as BTS mentioned, not every episode will lack members, and the appearance of smaller units or solo content could bring a fresh breeze to a show that has run for nearly 10 years. Who knows—this very change might make the legendary program even more appealing, even to non-fans.

ARMYs are currently actively discussing this topic on social media, including opinions such as:

- I don't have to worry for funny contents. They're born comedians...whatever they do.. Comedy part will show up naturally...Well I support 2.0 grown Bangtan with my whole heart

- They be busy and thinking of new contents are honestly draining too, grown bangtan is rly нιтting, but still imma be on it

- That's a great idea; this way we'll be close to every member and it will be soмєтнing diverse

- I loved the funny variety concept. But maybe for them it is tiring. Filming 30 min content probably takes ages. Maybe they want to do a more natural vibe which is easily fit into the tour instead of filming in a studio?

- It's gonna take some time to get used to the new format and I'm so grateful to them for even thinking of doing the show

- Them just even bringing back run bts while being so busy means a lot to me. I love you my bangtan you do so much for us

- Wow! 2.0 indeed. I’m taking all they can give! Love then so much

- I understand why this feels a bit different at first, but maybe this change will bring a fresh new vibe to Run BTS. This will show us sides of them we’ve never seen before

- This could be a refreshing new chapter for Run BTS and keep it exciting in a whole new way