2026 marks the first time BTS has officially returned as a full group after a four-year hiatus from group activities due to mandatory military service. The world, and especially millions of fans, have waited far too long for this moment. As a result, from early in the year, media outlets and experts both in and outside кσяєα had already predicted that this would be a breakout year for BTS and ARMY.

BTS have certainly lived up to those expectations, showing the whole world who is in the spotlight this year since March. The group returned with a full album, spending three consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard chart, before quickly kicking off their tour in April with nearly 90 shows, with no signs of slowing down. On top of that, BTS celebrated their 13th anniversary with all seven members and ARMY, while also bringing back the variety show Run BTS! after a four-year hiatus.

And that is still not everything BTS have in store for ARMY during their comeback year. It seems the group is truly determined to give fans all the group content they have been craving over the past few years — including signs that their signature merch lines are making a comeback as well!

Specifically, on September 18, the official HYBE Merch account υиєχρє¢тє∂ly posted several teasers, each around 30 seconds long, featuring the same content and title: “2026 BTS 달마중 [DALMAJUNG] Merch.” The videos were created in a traditional кσяєαn ink-wash style, with black ink strokes spreading across wнιтe paper. A series of familiar symbols from кσяєαn culture appeared one after another: a spotted deer standing amid mountains, water, grαѕѕ, bamboo and clouds, followed by a crane flying alongside a branch of plum blossoms.

Most notably, the words 방탄소년단 (Bangtan Sonyeondan) at the end of the teaser were rendered in soft, elegant calligraphy, with the very motifs that had appeared earlier transformed into the strokes of the letters. The video then ended with the BTS | NATIONAL MUSEUM GOODS MU:DS logo.

These hints have left ARMY almost certain that a new season of Dalmajung is just around the corner!

For longtime fans, Dalmajung is certainly not an unfamiliar name. It is BTS’ signature merch line released for Chuseok — one of the biggest holidays of the year in кσяєα. Unlike their regular merch collections, Dalmajung focuses on traditional кσяєαn aesthetics: BTS members appear in hanbok, while the concepts draw inspiration from the full moon, water, pine trees, cranes, clouds, and more. The accompanying products also carry a nostalgic aesthetic, often featuring stone and jade materials or intricate traditional patterns that are printed or embroidered onto the items.

BTS first released their official Dalmajung merch in 2021 for Chuseok, with a concept centered around the members wearing hanbok and showcasing the beauty of traditional кσяєα. In 2022, the collection returned with a moonlight and autumn night theme, expanding to various items such as photobooks, jewelry boxes, tea sets and cardigans. In 2024, Dalmajung once again drew attention when BTS collaborated with MU:DS from the National Museum of кσяєα, taking inspiration from renowned treasures such as the Pensive Bodhisattva and the moon jar.

In 2026, BTS appear to be continuing their collaboration with MU:DS from the National Museum of кσяєα for this merch collection. And with only around seven days left until Chuseok, it is clear that the big moment is not far away!

Notably, with the return of Dalmajung merch, fans also believe this could be a sign that ARMY can start hoping for the return of other legendary merch lines, such as Memories and Season’s Greetings — collections that have not been released for at least four years due to the group’s hiatus caused by mandatory military service. While fans are excited to see their beloved content and merch making a comeback, they are also starting to worry about their wallets.

On social media, fans’ reactions to the situation have been nothing short of hilarious: "My first thought...gimme a winter package lord please", "Ioh i hope we get them back but i also need time to prepare my wallet", "omg i have to save up please dont say that but im sure we will get it %100", "Dalmajung merch are always the best...oh my money", "Girl I had a baby recently and you're doing this to me", "Girl im still surviving on ramyeon…",...