BTS has officially returned from a years-long hiatus. On July 1, 2025, the seven members gathered for a Weverse livestream, their first public appearance together since stepping away in 2022 to fulfill South Korea's mandatory military service. During the broadcast, they announced their new album, ARIRANG, and a world tour slated for spring 2026. In February 2026, the group gave their first joint interview to GQ, discussing their time apart, their relationships, and the new music.

Since debuting in 2013, BTS has broken countless global records. They were the first K-pop group to top the Billboard Hot 100 with 'Dynamite' in 2020, followed by three more No. 1 hits: 'Butter,' 'Permission to Dance,' and 'Life Goes On.' That same year, they became the first K-pop act nominated for a Grammy. Their comeback marks a significant moment for both the group and the K-pop industry.

RM

RM, born Kim Nam-joon on September 12, 1994, is the leader of BTS. He began as an underground rapper under the name 'Runch Randa' and was already known in Seoul's hip-hop scene before Big Hit Entertainment founder Bang Si-hyuk built the group around him. RM's lyricism and production skills drew attention, and he now introduces the group's songs, writes and translates lyrics, and shapes their public image.

RM enlisted in December 2023 and served in the Republic of Korea Army's 15th Infantry Division military band. He was discharged on June 10, 2025. His solo works include two albums: Indigo (2022) and Right Place, Wrong Person (2024). Outside music, RM is known for his love of literature and his English fluency, which he credits to watching Friends. In the GQ interview, V described RM as 'the identity of this group' and 'the core leader,' acknowledging the immense pressure RM carries.

Jin

Jin, born Kim Seok-jin on December 4, 1992, is the oldest member and one of the main vocalists. He was scouted for his looks and trained at Big Hit, as revealed in a 2021 Rolling Stone cover story. Jin enlisted in December 2022 and served as an assistant drill instructor at the 5th Infantry Division boot camp. He was discharged on June 12, 2024.

During the hiatus, Jin released two solo albums: Happy (2024) and Echo (2025), and starred in the Netflix series Kian's Bizarre B&B. He made his acting debut in a comedic commercial for Jin Ramen in March 2025. In the GQ interview, Jin reflected on BTS's early goals: 'Our only goal was to rank number one in the TV music shows. That would give us so much delight.' He praised the younger members for their persistence and passion.

Suga

Suga, born Min Yoon-gi on March 9, 1993, started in the underground rap scene and is one of BTS's main rappers and producers. He contributes beats and compositions, and his solo work under the alias Agust D explores themes of depression and mental health, as seen in tracks like 'The Last' and 'Amygdala.'

Beyond music, Suga is an NBA ambassador and a basketball fan, citing point guard Damian Lillard and retired shooting guard Allen Iverson as favorites. He enlisted in September 2023 and served as a social service agent due to a shoulder injury. He was discharged on June 21, 2025. In the GQ interview, Suga discussed the routine of military life: 'I was actually never, ever late to the office. I always came in 10 minutes early.' He also spoke about the album's introspective themes: 'As artists and as individuals, you have to be able to express both the positive and the negative sides of life. This album has a lot of introspection and thoughts.' Suga expressed hope that the group can continue performing into their 60s: 'As long as we’re willing, we can always be together as a band.'

J-Hope

J-Hope, born Jung Ho-seok on February 18, 1994, began his career as a street dancer before joining BTS. He trained at Gwangju Music Academy and was part of the dance crew Neuron. His dance background made him the group's lead dancer and one of three main rappers. He released the mixtape Hope World (2018) and the studio album Jack in the Box (2022).

J-Hope enlisted in April 2023 and served as an assistant drill instructor at the 36th Infantry Division. He was discharged on October 17, 2024. During the hiatus, he performed at Lollapalooza in 2022 and Lollapalooza Berlin in July 2025. He is also a Louis Vuitton ambassador. In the GQ interview, J-Hope talked about the value of solo work: 'What I really loved about working solo is that you get to learn more about your taste... You get to learn more about your own colors.' He added that the experience made the group's reunion more meaningful: 'Experiences are invaluable. You can’t buy that with money.'

Jimin

Jimin, born Park Ji-min on October 13, 1995, studied modern dance at Busan High School of Arts before becoming a trainee at Big Hit in 2012. He is one of BTS's main vocalists and dancers, known for his expressive stage presence. His debut solo album FACE (2023) included the hit single 'Like Crazy,' making him the first South Korean solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100. He followed with Muse in July 2024. Jimin is an ambassador for Dior and Tiffany & Co.

Jimin enlisted in December 2024 alongside Jungkook, serving in the 5th Infantry Division Artillery Brigade. He was discharged on June 11, 2025. In the GQ interview, he described his military service as 'so, so hard' but meaningful. He also reflected on his solo period as a 'wake-up call': 'I knew that I had to practice a lot and grow as an artist and widen my spectrum before we banded together as one.'

V

V, born Kim Tae-hyung on December 30, 1995, was discovered by Big Hit after accompanying a friend to an audition. His soulful, velvety voice adds depth to BTS's ballads and theatrical songs. He made his acting debut in the 2016 K-drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth. His solo album Layover (September 2023) features jazz and R&B influences. V is a global ambassador for Cartier and Celine.

V enlisted in December 2023 and served in the elite Special Task Force of the Military Police Corps (SDT). He was discharged on June 10, 2025. In the GQ interview, V revealed that a collaborator on ARIRANG introduced him to experimental rapper Jean Dawson, which gave him new ideas about musical direction. He also shared that Jungkook cried during their military service because he wanted to perform.

Jungkook

Jungkook, born Jeon Jung-kook on September 1, 1997, is the youngest member and main vocalist. Known for his wide vocal range, he also sings, dances, produces, and directs, having helmed BTS's 'Life Goes On' music video. During the hiatus, he launched his solo career with the chart-topping single 'Seven' featuring Latto, followed by his debut album Golden in 2023.

Jungkook enlisted in December 2024 alongside Jimin, serving in the 5th Infantry Division Artillery Brigade. They were discharged together on June 11, 2025. In the GQ interview, V recalled Jungkook crying because he missed performing. Jungkook himself detailed the collaborative writing process for ARIRANG: 'We had three rooms in the studio. Sometimes we would pair up... we could have different ideas and different types of collaborations. The whole process was very liberating and free.' Outside music, Jungkook is known for his athleticism, boxing, fitness, and tattoo art, which he showcased in Calvin Klein's holiday 2025 campaign.

With ARIRANG set for a March 2026 release and a world tour to follow, BTS is poised to continue their legacy. The group's first joint interview in years underscores their growth as individuals and as a collective, promising fans a deeper, more introspective chapter in their remarkable journey.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News