BTS, the South Korean boy band formed by Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE) in 2013, has undergone a remarkable journey over the past decade, evolving from a small hip-hop group into a global phenomenon. Their debut came on June 13, 2013, with the single album 2 Cool 4 Skool, which laid the groundwork for their future success.
Key Milestones (2018-2024)
2018: Global Recognition
BTS achieved significant milestones in 2018, including their third studio album, Love Yourself: Tear, which became the first Korean album to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. They also made headlines by addressing the United Nations General Assembly, promoting self-love and anti-violence campaigns in partnership with UNICEF.
2019: Continued Success
The group released Map of the Soul: Persona, which topped charts worldwide and solidified their status as a leading act in the music industry. They performed at major venues like Wembley Stadium and were recognized for their record-breaking sales in South Korea.
2020: Historic Achievements Amidst a Pandemic
In 2020, BTS released Map of the Soul: 7, which became the best-selling album in South Korean history. Their English-language single “Dynamite” marked their first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, making them the first K-pop act to achieve this feat. The album Be and its lead single “Life Goes On” further showcased their ability to resonate with global audiences during challenging times.
2021: Awards and Recognition
BTS garnered their first Grammy nomination and won Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards. Their singles “Butter” and “Permission to Dance” dominated charts, with “Butter” setting records for weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
2022: A Shift to Solo Projects
After releasing the anthology album Proof, BTS announced a hiatus from group activities to focus on individual projects. Members began releasing solo music, with Jin’s “The Astronaut,” RM’s Indigo, and J-Hope’s Jack in the Box marking this new chapter.
2023-2025: Fulfilling Military Service and Solo Careers
The subsequent years saw the members complete their military enlistment. Jin was the first to be discharged in 2024, followed by J-Hope. In June 2025, the remaining members—RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook—completed their service, with Suga finishing later that month, officially paving the way for a full-group reunion. The group’s impact remained potent even during their hiatus; in July 2025, their first live album, Permission to Dance on Stage – Live, debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, marking their eighth Top 10 entry and setting a new record for a Korean artist . Despite continued global success, the group was not nominated for the 2025 Grammys, a snub that sparked significant discussion among fans. A K-pop production did win a Grammy in 2026, but BTS themselves have yet to receive a trophy.
2026: A Triumphant Return and “The Fifth Album”
In a highly anticipated move, BTS officially announced the end of their group hiatus in mid-2025, setting the stage for a massive 2026 comeback.
- New Album: Their long-awaited return is marked by a new studio album, titled “Arirang,” set for release on March 20, 2026. The album is named after a cherished Korean folk song and features 14 tracks that reflect the members’ growth and experiences during their hiatus. This choice is seen as a powerful reclamation of their Korean identity, contrasting with industry trends toward culturally neutral “global pop.”
- Comeback Stage: To celebrate the album, BTS will perform a large-scale, free outdoor live event at Seoul’s historic Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, 2026. The performance, which will be livestreamed on Netflix, marks the first time a K-pop act has held a standalone concert at this symbolically important location .
- World Tour: Following the album release, BTS will embark on one of the largest world tours by a K-pop act. The tour is scheduled to begin in April 2026 in Goyang, South Korea, and will span 34 cities across Asia, North America, Latin America, and Europe, with a grand finale planned for March 2027 in Manila.
Throughout these years, BTS has not only broken numerous records but has also made significant cultural impacts, addressing social issues and promoting messages of positivity and self-acceptance. Their journey, now entering a bold new chapter in 2026, exemplifies how music can transcend borders and connect people worldwide.
BTS consists of 7 members: RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.
