It’s rare for one of the biggest groups in the world to take a multi-year hiatus but that’s what happened when all seven members of BTS had to complete South Korea’s mandatory military service.
Starting in 2022, all BTS members are taking a four-year hiatus to complete their required duties and work on other solo activities. Now, the biggest band in the world is back. RM, j-hope, V, Jung Kook, Jin, Jimin and Suga (who was recently seen in the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked promo) reunited and made up for lost time.
Fans can catch an exclusive documentary, BTS: The Return, which chronicles their long-awaited reunion, again live comeback concert, both will be broadcast Netflix. This is the first time streaming service once broadcast a live concert, so if you’re part of the BTS Army, you won’t want to miss this event.
There is also a new album. It’s a lot for fans to take in at once — so, here’s what you need to know to tune in to all things BTS this month.
Where did BTS go?
All seven members of BTS were required by South Korean law to serve in the country’s military. The law states that able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 years old must serve between 18 and 21 months in the military, excluding pop stars.
The band was able to postpone their service for two years, however, and Jin, the oldest member of the group, enlisted in 2022 and completed his service in 2024. Subsequently, the entire group moved their registration, and they all completed their necessary tasks in the middle of 2025, allowing them to work on their new album.
BTS is performing at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.
When is the new BTS album coming out?
Arirang is the fifth studio album from BTS, and it arrived today, March 20. The band enlisted an all-star lineup of producers to collaborate on the album’s 14 new tracks, including Diplo, Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, Mike WiLL Made-It and Ryan Tedder.
How to watch BTS comeback concert
BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang is a special concert that will be broadcast to over 190 countries from Gwanghwamun in Seoul Saturday, March 21. This place is part of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a royal building built in 1395. Although the palace will close its normal tourist activities on this day, thousands of visitors are expected to converge on the site to play. That means you’ll be having fun around the crowd in Seoul.
The concert will celebrate the release of BTS’s album, Arirang, and will be broadcast live at 8 pm KST. For US fans, you’ll have to wake up early to watch the whole thing live: 7am ET/4am PT. The concert serves as an unofficial kickoff to BTS’ world tour that begins in April. (Not surprisingly, most days are over.)
How to watch the BTS: The Return documentary
BTS: The Return, directed by Bao Nguyen, follows the band as they reunite in Los Angeles after completing their military service, solo projects and begin work on ARIRANG. The documentary will be released exclusively on Netflix on Friday, March 27.
