Billboard magazine made waves by boldly predicting that the new album and the upcoming world tour could generate more than $1.05 billion in revenue, not including the global media impact, reaffirming BTS’s unshakable status as a “21st-century pop icon” despite their long absence from group activities.
Meanwhile, ARIRANG recorded 4.06 million pre-orders in its first week, surpαѕѕing the previous record set by Map of the Soul: 7. At least 44 stadium concerts worldwide have sold out, with some venues selling out within minutes and additional shows added in several cities—initially reflecting the overwhelming excitement of global fans for the group’s return.
In an interview with Music Business World, Big Hit Music CEO Seon Jeong Shin stated: “The unprecedented anticipation for BTS coming back as a full group is soмєтнing we’re deeply aware of. We see it as a positive sign that their music and stories continue to resonate powerfully with fans around the world.”
A comeback after four years is not just a typical “reunion,” especially at the scale of a global superstar like BTS; it certainly comes with expectations for transformation. Art has no boundaries, and artists must constantly reinvent themselves. This is not only what fans expect—BTS themselves also yearn for it.
In an interview with SiriusXM, j-hope acknowledged this perspective, affirming that there would be a notable change when BTS reunites: "The energy of the full group".
"I myself am wondering what the energy will be like once we’re back together". He continued: "What will be different is that we will each have had solo experiences before coming back together as a team." Because of this, “So I’m looking forward to it!”, he expressed.
BTS is a group, but it is made up of seven individuals. Simply “gathering” those seven people together would make BTS in 2026 no different from BTS in 2022, or even 2013—which could bore au∂ιєnces and fail to live up to expectations of the so-called “return of the kings.” Therefore, the key lies in the fresh experiences the members accumulated during four years of solo activities.
Throughout the four-year hiatus, BTS members had the opportunity to embark on individual journeys, from releasing solo albums to conducting global tours. These experiences not only helped each member shape their own artistic identity but also served as a process of gathering new creative material, ready to contribute to the group’s collective energy upon their return.
As Big Hit Music CEO Seon Jeong Shin stated: "BTS’ solo projects as an important part of their ongoing artistic journey — a process through which each member explores their own colors and messages. To me, their individual paths are a natural extension of the group’s broader story. ”
She also concluded: “Each member is pursuing different genres and creative directions, but at the heart of it all is the same unwavering desire: to express themselves through music and to share new messages with ARMY. This shared foundation is what sustains BTS’ identity and allows every solo endeavor to enrich the group’s collective narrative”.
At this point, fans’ anticipation has only grown stronger, counting down to the group’s return and believing that BTS will reappear with a “new image” that is even more spectacular:
- I sincerely pray for their health and for peace to fill their hearts. They are deeply loved, and their music resonates with and inspires millions around the world. Thank you, for sharing the incredible gift of your artistry.
- That has been so important, for them to have that time doing solo things, experimenting &doing things they wanted as individual artists. This way when they come back together as a group there are no regrets,etc, & it will only make them stronger as they'd have known both sides
- It will be more emotional and louder Hobi. ARMYs are BEYOND excited
- I’m eagerly waiting to see what they’ve been preparing after all these years. The comeback is going to be historic.
- Can't wait baby Can't waitttt. I really cannot wait for BTS reunion
- Honestly, the pressure is mαѕѕive, but I trust BTS completely. Their reunion era feels like the start of a new chapter, and I can’t wait to experience Arirang and the world tour with everyone.
- BTS is the group I’m excited to see this year and in upcoming years too. I want to walk in this flower path with all 7 members. Truly my forever artist.
- The synergy will be out of the world!! Each of them have phenomenal solo careers and when all these great artists reunite, their comeback will be unfathomable!! ARMY will be there to guarantee that!!
