K-pop supergroup BTS has officially returned—not just with new music, but with a powerful statement captured on the March 2026 cover of GQ magazine. This edition marks their first full group interview and photoshoot since the seven members completed nearly four years of mandatory South Korean military service, a break that had fans (ARMY) waiting in hopeful anticipation.
A Global Cover for a Legendary Return
BTS—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—grace the cover of GQ in 15 international markets, including South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, Germany, and Thailand. According to their agency, this is the first time a Korean artist has appeared simultaneously on so many regional GQ covers.
The imagery and styling convey the group’s evolution: poised, confident, and united—an apt visual introduction to what they want the world to know in this new era.
Inside the Cover Story: Reuniting and Reflecting
In BTS Begins Again, the members open up about their time apart, their bond, and what it means to be back together. After years of pursuing solo projects and living separate lives, they reunited in Los Angeles for two months, living and working under the same roof to craft their long-awaited group comeback.
RM described their routine as “like businessmen,” with long days of training and writing that brought back the discipline and focus from their trainee days. But there’s a deeper emotional layer to their return: the members candidly discussed the pressure they faced, including RM’s own reflections on disbandment and doubt.
Their chemistry remains unmistakable—playful yet earnest—and much of the interview highlights how their friendship sustains them beyond fame. “Although we make fun of him in the front, in the back we’re crying too,” one member said, underscoring the vulnerability and brotherhood that define BTS.
A New Album & World Tour on the Horizon
The GQ piece also teases BTS’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, set for release on March 20, 2026. Inspired by the traditional Korean folk song of the same name—long associated with reunion and emotional connection—the title reflects the group’s desire to unite their roots with the present moment.
BigHit Music has confirmed that the album will be followed by a world tour beginning in April, further signaling that BTS’s comeback is not just symbolic but expansive and concert-driven.
What This Means for BTS and ARMY
For many, this GQ cover isn’t just a fashion milestone—it’s a cultural moment. After years of solo accomplishments and the uncertainty of military enlistment, BTS’s unified presence represents both closure and a fresh beginning. They’ve shared that their collective identity matters more than individual success, and their renewed focus is on music, connection, and the fans who have supported them through every phase.
As BTS steps into this next chapter, they carry with them decades of history, growth, and an unbreakable bond that resonates with a global audience. If the cover story is any indication, they’re not just back—they’re reaffirmed, evolved, and ready to share what’s next.
