Long before fans began counting down to BTS’s long-awaited 2026 comeback, the group quietly wrestled with a possibility many never imagined: walking away for good. What is now celebrated as a powerful return once hovered on the brink of becoming a farewell.
In a recent Weverse livestream, RM offered an unfiltered look into the emotional turbulence that consumed the group during their prolonged hiatus. He admitted that the quiet years were filled not with certainty, but with doubt—doubt so persistent that the members repeatedly questioned whether they still had enough fuel to continue as BTS.
According to RM, the conversations were not fleeting moments of hesitation. They were deep, ongoing discussions about identity, burnout, and the immense pressure that comes with being part of one of the world’s most influential music groups. He described the internal debate as something they pondered “tens of thousands of times,” weighing whether a disbandment or an indefinite freeze would be kinder to themselves than forcing a return.
But what ultimately pulled BTS back from the edge was not obligation—it was affection. RM shared that the group’s decision to stay together sprang from a renewed understanding of their bond and the unwavering loyalty of ARMY.
“What has kept this team going is how much we love each other, and the love and respect we have for those watching this livestream,” RM said, hinting at how the break, though challenging, became a reminder of what matters most to them.
With their unity restored, the group has shifted from doubt to determination. RM confirmed that work on their comeback album is moving steadily, with the members now immersed in rehearsals and content shoots. The album, slated for release in March 2026, will be their first full-length group project in nearly six years since BE—a gap that reflects both their individual growth and the magnitude of their reunion.
Adding fuel to global anticipation, industry reports say BTS is preparing for a sweeping world tour that could include around 65 shows. More than 30 of these are projected to take place in North America, marking what could be their largest tour yet—and their first full-group concert series since Permission to Dance on Stage, which drew over four million fans.
What was once a moment of uncertainty has now reshaped into a comeback rooted in choice, emotion, and renewed purpose. BTS almost closed their book—but instead, they found a new chapter worth writing.
