On the first full publishing day of 2026, we should be starting with the biggest music story of the year, and nothing has actually happened yet. But the announcements themselves have raised expectations for what is guaranteed to become a massive story over the next 12 months. And this wasn’t even new news! This is the strength of BTS.
Since all seven members reunited after finishing their military service last summer, we always knew their return would happen. And we also knew that it would be in the spring. I wrote a whole article back July 2, 2025 essentially predicting that the album would be released on the vernal equinox, March 20th, which falls on a Friday, as in “New Music Friday”. That doesn't make me a genius, it was just obvious – and it still amazes me just as much as it does now that it's official.
March 20th is indeed the release date for the 14-track album. And a symbol. IS has been cleared. New site launched. And now ARMYs are trying to figure out what those three red circles mean with an installation at the Sejong Performing Arts Center in Seoul.
BTS
2026.03.20#Sejong Performing Arts Center #Sejong Performing Arts Center, Central Staircase #BTS #BTS #Soon pic.twitter.com/pGydnGR15M— Sejong Performing Arts Center (@SEJONG_CENTER) January 5, 2026
Tour dates are set for January 14th. That’s when the bedlam will begin – because we’ve been waiting for four years, so not only is there demand, it’s actually nuclear at the moment. You know how people talked about the Eras Tour and its impact on the local economy? This was the case in 2021 and 2022 during BTS's last overseas concerts in Los Angeles and Las Vegas before their enlistment into the military. And this was at the end of COVID, when people were still babies coming back into the world! So if RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook come to your city, now that we're very, very, very outside again, don't be surprised by the takeover. Takeover guaranteed… although I'm already training myself to look at people who will still be like, “Oh, why is this Korean group causing shutdowns in major metropolises around the world?” But it won't be you, right? Because you visited this site and now fully understand the enormous influence of Bangtan?
Just in case, I will have something to say in the coming weeks and months and months and months. All year, really. 2026 is the year of BTS. And hopefully, maybe Beyoncé. That's why I didn't do anything during the holidays. That's why I will only continue to save my money – because BTS and Beyoncé will take it. In the meantime, these are austerity measures!
What else happened today…
Great article by Kathleen on the best black performances of 2025. including, apparently, her imaginary husband Michael B. Jordan. (Refinery 29)
The Golden Globes ceremony will take place in six days, next Sunday. Waiting The Fug Girls look back on fashion from the 2006 Golden Globes.. Emma Thompson's dress still surprises me, and I still love what Ellen Pompeo wore. And this is baby Scarlett Johansson! (Go fuck yourself)
Marcello Hernandez got married during the holidays… and not Sabrina Carpenter? (Pajiba)
The Ringer starts 2026 with traitors, scammers and assholes. This is a group of pop culture traitors.! I like this idea. Littlefinger vs. Hulk Hogan is one hell of a spectacle. (Call)
Annual debate about tearing down the tree and turning on the holiday lights, it's happening right now. Our tree is still standing – judge me, I don't care. The tree is in the living room, next to my couch, where I've been parked for three weeks. And to remove it, Jacek would have to mess around in this space and disturb my peace. That's why the tree is still there, because I wasn't going to spend a minute this weekend trying to comply with some rule about how long a tree should stay up. This will happen next weekend. But the lights outside the house will remain on until at least the Lunar New Year in February. (Selebichi)
