BTS is finally returning after a four-year hiatus in March 2026. The “world’s most famous” boy band, according to BBC News, paused in 2022 due to South Korea’s mandatory military service. While they dominated 3rd generation K-pop, just how relevant are they today?
BTS During Their Peak
I am not the biggest K-pop fan, but being exposed to BTS at least once in your life is almost inevitable, which explains their huge international fanbase. Many consider BTS’s peak to be from 2018 to 2022, during which they even sold out two nights at London’s 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium, according to Variety. BTS was everywhere in 2019.
The earliest memory I have of BTS is during their collaboration with McDonald’s in 2021, offering the “BTS Meal.” I remember explaining to my dad who BTS was, having limited information myself—but they were just that popular.
BTS And Their Military Service
BTS went on hiatus in 2022 and announced in October of that year that the eldest members were starting their military enlistment process, according to TODAY.com. Jin, the eldest member, was the first to enlist, followed by J-Hope and Suga. By December 2023, Jungkook, V, Jimin, and RM were the final four to begin their service.
During BTS’s hiatus, members released solo projects, and some have gained significant traction, some which I believe outshine some of the group’s previous releases. For example, Jungkook’s solo single, Seven (feat. Latto), released in July 2023 and reached 2.7 billion streams on Spotify as of February 2026, making him the first Korean solo artist to reach this milestone on the platform.
Impact On Mexico
BTS’s impact has definitely shown internationally, take Mexico for an example— even the President herself has sent a request to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, asking for more BTS concerts in Mexico for their World Tour beginning in April, according to The Guardian.
“Around 1 million young people want to buy tickets, but there are only 150,000 tickets available,” President Claudia Sheinbum said.
Why Mexico’s President is worried about BTS concerts instead of her country is beyond me, but you can’t deny the presence of the Korean boyband in not only everyday life, but political life as well.
What Can We Expect From BTS?
BTS’s return comes as K-pop has evolved significantly. Current idol groups such as BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, and Illit have taken the stage and have shifted the sound of K-Pop.
The big question is how fans will receive the long-awaited return of the boyband. While BTS may have lost some fans during their hiatus, many loyal stans have stayed waiting for their comeback. Ultimately, BTS’s upcoming album, ARIRANG, will determine if BTS will regain their popularity and relevance.