The end of 2025 marked the busiest period for ARMYs in the past three years, following the return of all BTS members. Likewise, the group members got straight to work just days after completing their military service, gearing up for a comeback scheduled for March the following year. They accelerated production on a new album, traveling back and forth between South кσяєα and the United States for months in order to fulfill the promise they made on July 1—to release a new album in the spring of the following year.
Through multiple live broadcasts in November and December, BTS revealed that the album recording had been completed and that the group had already begun dance practice for their comeback. The members did not hide their excitement, expressing how eagerly they were waiting for 2026 to arrive so they could perform in front of ARMYs again. Jungkook said, “Hurry and come back, so that, like, we can just promote and I want to,” while RM declared, “2026 will be the year of BTS,” further heightening the anticipation among fans worldwide.
Amid this atmosphere, fans υиєχρє¢тє∂ly received an early signal on the very last day of the year—one that hinted at a potential comeback date and even the concept of what is arguably the most anticipated album to date. This revelation was discovered through a special handwritten postcard sent by the BTS members to ARMYs (Gold Membership holders of the official Weverse fan club).
On the 18th, Weverse invited eligible fans to apply to receive a physical letter from BTS as a token of gratitude for their unwavering support and patience throughout the three years of the group’s military service. By December 31, some ARMYs in South кσяєα had received this special postcard. Notably, this was no ordinary letter: the front of the postcard featured a never-before-seen symbol of three red circles, accompanied by the date March 20, 2026.
Interestingly, March 20 falls on a Friday - when new music usually drops and coincides with the spring equinox—the official start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, including South кσяєα. Placed within the context of BTS’s return after three years, the beginning of spring feels especially fitting, symbolizing a beginning, a new season, a new chapter, and rebirth. This has further strengthened fans’ conviction that March 20 has been set as the release date for the new album.
Meanwhile, the three circular symbols on the postcard’s logo have been decoded by fans as representing “the day we become one again.” The left circle contains a central “dot,” evoking the idea of I/O and symbolizing existence, the self, and a beginning. The middle circle features two parallel lines—separate yet aligned on the same axis—representing the members during their military hiatus: each walking their own path, in different spaces, yet sharing the same direction and essence. The right circle, composed of intersecting lines, symbolizes reunion and convergence, where individual paths ultimately cross once more.
Taken as a whole, the image can be read as a journey: from “I,” to “we are temporarily apart,” and finally to “we meet again”—a structure that suggests everything that once scattered will return to the origin and become one again.
On another note, upon seeing the logo, fans immediately drew parallels to the Wings album logo, which also featured a similar arrangement of circular elements. This led to speculation that the concept of the 2026 album may be connected to the BTS universe, or more specifically, a continuation of the Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa era. Notably, in recent days, the members have frequently referenced or hinted at elements related to this musical era.
During a live broadcast, Jungkook remarked: “Our HYYH hasn’t come yet, right? Back then when they would ask in interviews, ‘When do you think your HYYH was?’ and we would say, ‘It hasn’t come yet.’ It’s still yet to come. I think we’ll remember right before we ∂ιє.”
In several recent posts and live broadcasts, the members have also repeatedly mentioned pets—especially cats. It is worth remembering that a symbolic cat also appeared in the Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa series. As these coincidences came to light, fan speculation began to intensify: "What if they're working on hyyh part 3 and the cat comes back to ruin jins life again", "it's gonna be that "hate the character but love the actor" situation isn't it", "THERES A HYYH CAT!! Wdym this all connects and it might be a spoiler", "I wonder if they were filming soмєтнing for the BU and they decided to use a real cat instead of CGI", "waittttt HYYH P3 IS COMING OMG",...
At this point, the theories have grown increasingly cohesive and convincing, making the outline of the new album clearer than ever just ahead of BTS’s long-awaited return.
Beyond speculation about the album’s theme, the handwritten New Year’s messages on the back of the letter—written personally by each member—have also become an unmissable highlight for fans around the world. Every word and heartfelt message moved ARMYs to tears, making them long for spring to arrive even sooner. The members’ messages have been translated as follows:
Jin: Hello ARMY. Happy New Year. I greeted you all as a soloist in 2023 and 2024, but I can finally greet you as part of a team again. Thank you so much for waiting. We will work hard with our promotions. Fighting.
SUGA: Happy New Year, ARMY!! The new year is starting again. I’m praying that things will be αωєsome for you this year as well. I miss you. Let’s have fun this year. I love you!! We’ll see you soon.
RM: Finally, finally, finally. The year 2026 has arrived—the year I’ve been waiting for more than anyone. I’ve missed you all!! Bangtan is coming. BTS is~~ coming!! Woohoo!!
j-hope: Hello ARMY, the new year 2026 has arrived~~~ Finally, it’s the year that we will all be together with you!! I’m already looking forward to it!! What I’ve been thinking of is finally becoming reality!! For real!! Happily and with joy!! Let’s be together~~~ Let’s go!! ARMY!! BTS!!
Jimin: HAPPY NEW YEAR!! The new year is bright~. Finally, the year that we can meet you all is here. We want to express our gratitude to the ARMY who are always by our side supporting us. I hope this year brings you even more happiness than the last.
V: I hope that 2026 brings you more and better memories! It’s been a while since we released an album, but I hope you will continue to look after us well. I’ve missed you! I hope today will also be a good day for you!
Jungkook: Hello ARMY. This is Jungkook. Have you been well? I’ve missed you! I always feel the same way. I’ve been working hard as usual! Please continue to support us in 2026 as well! Happy New Year~
Ultimately, this special letter is not only the Hermès Himalayan Crocodile Birkin within the world of idol merchandise and fan collectibles, but also the most meaningful spiritual gift ahead of the new year—bringing hope and imminent happiness to ARMYs around the world after a long period of waiting.
