ARMY, the wait is officially over. On Friday morning, BIGHIT MUSIC sent a massive shockwave through the global music industry. They finally confirmed the return of the “Pop Icons of the 21st Century.” Through a notice on Weverse and social media, the agency announced that BTS will release their fifth full-length studio album, Arirang, on March 20, 2026.
This is a monumental milestone. It marks the group’s first OT7 studio release since they all completed their mandatory military service. BIGHIT describes the project as a “homecoming” for the members. Now, the BTS Arirang pre-order 2026 cycle is expected to be one of the biggest physical rollouts in music history.
Mark Your Calendars: The Pre-Order Roadmap
Want to secure your copy? Set your alarms for January 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM KST. That is when global pre-orders officially go live. But if you are a collector in the United States, you get an early head start. A special early-access window opens via Target starting January 15 at 9:00 PM Eastern.
To snag those exclusive Pre-Order Benefits (POBs), use the Weverse Shop app. The platform will carry the “Weverse Albums” digital-physical hybrid versions. They will also have the standard editions that count toward major global charts.
Heritage Boxes and 10 Vinyl Variants
BIGHIT is pulling out all the stops for this release. There are several physical formats to track:
- “Heritage” Collector’s Editions: Premium packaging that reflects traditional Korean aesthetics and the group’s decade-long journey.
- Limited Edition Red Vinyl: A rare pressing available through Weverse and select global retailers.
- Target Exclusive Vinyls: A massive rollout of 10 different vinyl editions. This includes individual member-focused variants for RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook.
Why “Arirang” is the Perfect Title
Choosing Arirang as the title is a deep move. It is often called Korea’s unofficial national anthem. The song represents resilience and the joy of reunion after a long separation. For BTS, it is a tribute to their cultural roots. It signifies their emotional return to the stage as a full group.
“This album is a celebration of where we have been and a promise of where we are going together,” BIGHIT MUSIC shared.
The album will feature 14 tracks. Expect a blend of their signature sound with traditional Korean instrumental influences.
Quick Guide: Arirang Launch Details
- Album Release Date: March 20, 2026
- Pre-Order Start: January 16, 2026 (11 AM KST)
- Lead Retailers: Weverse Shop, Target, Amazon, and K-pop specialty stores.
- Formats: Standard CDs, 10+ Vinyl variants, Weverse digital albums, and “Heritage” boxes.
World Tour Rumors and the “Jin Effect”
The Arirang release is likely the spark for the heavily teased BTS 2026 World Tour. Momentum is already at an all-time high. Jin recently wrapped up his successful “Run Seokjin” solo activities, and fans are hungry for more. Expect a steady stream of teaser images and tracklist reveals throughout February.
ARMY Takes Over the Internet
Immediately after the notice, “Arirang” and “BTS IS BACK” trended at #1 worldwide. Early reports from Weverse Shop showed massive traffic. Digital queues formed within seconds of the announcement. The 10-vinyl partnership with Target has U.S. fans particularly excited. It marks one of the largest physical retail collaborations ever for a K-pop act.
Pre-Order Pro-Tips
Don’t get stuck with a “Sold Out” notice. Set up your Weverse Shop account and preferred payment methods now. Most importantly, make sure you purchase through chart-reflective links. This ensures your support counts toward the Billboard, Hanteo, and Circle charts!
