BTS Announces First World Tour in Four Years Following Military Hiatus

Global K-pop sensation BTS has announced its first world tour in four years, marking a major comeback following a prolonged hiatus due to mandatory military service. The group’s label, Hybe, confirmed on Wednesday that the tour will begin in April, shortly after the release of a new studio album in March.

BTS, known worldwide for chart-topping hits such as “Dynamite” and “Butter,” has not toured or released new music since 2022, as all seven members fulfilled South Korea’s compulsory military service for men under the age of 30. With that obligation now complete, the group is set to return to the global stage.

New Album and Tour Kickoff

The upcoming album, which has not yet been titled, will be BTS’ first release since the anthology “Proof,” South Korea’s bestselling album of 2022. The new record is expected to serve as the foundation for the group’s extensive international tour.

The world tour will officially begin in Goyang, South Korea, on April 9, followed by two additional concerts in the same city. BTS will then launch the international leg of the tour with performances in Japan, scheduled for April 17 and 18 at Tokyo Dome.

Ticket sales for the Japan concerts will begin with a lottery-based presale for members of the official BTS Japan fan club, starting January 22 at 9:00 p.m. local time.

Record-Breaking Global Tour

According to Hybe, the tour will span 34 cities and include a total of 79 performances, making it the largest single tour by a K-pop group in terms of total shows. The agency also described it as having the widest regional reach ever achieved by a South Korean artist.

Following the Japan concerts, BTS will perform across the United States and Europe, with the tour currently scheduled to conclude in March 2027 in Manila. Additional cities are expected to be announced, including further stops in Japan and the Middle East.

Economic and Industry Impact

BTS remains a major economic force in South Korea. Prior to the group’s military hiatus, the band generated more than 5.5 trillion won (approximately USD 3.7 billion) annually for the national economy, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute. This contribution was estimated to account for around 0.2% of South Korea’s total GDP.

Following the tour announcement, Hybe’s shares rose approximately 3% in early trading. Investment bank IBK Securities also projected that the company’s operating profits could increase significantly this year, supported by album sales, touring revenue, and related business activities.

Industry analysts estimate that approximately 4.5 million people could attend the tour worldwide, reflecting BTS’ continued global popularity and strong demand following their return.