BTS Is Back: What Parents Need To Know About The Reunion

The creation of this article included the use of AI and was edited by human content creators. Read more on our AI policy here.

If your teenager has been counting down days on their calendar, talking excitedly about “OT7,” or asking about Netflix access in the early morning hours, there’s a good reason. BTS, the South Korean group that has captured your child’s heart, is officially reuniting after a four-year hiatus—and the comeback events are about to begin.

Here’s everything you need to understand about what’s happening, when it’s happening, and what it might mean for your family’s schedule (and potentially your wallet).

Why This Moment Matters So Much

To understand why your teen might be emotional right now, it helps to know what BTS has been through. The group—made up of seven members named RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook—last released a full album together in 2022 with “Proof.” Shortly after, they announced a group hiatus that would span four years.

The reason for this extended break wasn’t creative differences or internal conflict, as often happens with Western bands. Instead, it was tied to something uniquely Korean: mandatory military service.

South Korea requires most able-bodied male citizens to complete mandatory military service, typically lasting 18 to 21 months. This requirement applies to nearly all men, including celebrities, and has been a topic of national conversation in South Korea for years—particularly regarding whether globally successful artists like BTS should receive exemptions.

In the end, all seven BTS members fulfilled their military obligations. Jin, the oldest member, was the first to complete his service and returned in 2024. The remaining members followed, with Suga being the last to return in June 2025.

For fans who have followed BTS for years, this reunion represents more than just new music—it symbolizes the group keeping their promise to return. This context might help explain why your child views this comeback as such a significant emotional event.

The Livestream Concert: Key Details for Parents

The first major event is a livestreamed concert titled “BTS the Comeback Live | Arirang,” which will air on Netflix on March 21 at 4 a.m. PT / 7 a.m. ET.

Yes, you read that correctly—4 a.m. Pacific Time. This timing reflects the fact that the concert will take place live in Seoul, South Korea, at Gwanghwamun, a historically significant plaza in the heart of the city. Due to the time zone difference, what’s evening in Seoul translates to very early morning in the United States.

bts 2156580970 1 — (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images)

The School Night Consideration

March 21, 2026, falls on a Saturday, which may come as a relief to parents concerned about sleep schedules. However, it’s worth confirming this with your own calendar, as your teen will likely want to watch the event live rather than catching it later.

This broadcast is notable for another reason: per Variety, it will be the first-ever live event broadcast from Korea to be livestreamed globally. The production quality promises to be significant, as Hamish Hamilton—known for directing the majority of Super Bowl Halftime shows since 2010—is slated to direct the performance.

If your family already has a Netflix subscription, there’s no additional cost to watch the livestream. This might be an opportunity for a family viewing party, or at minimum, a chance to see what has captivated your child’s attention for years.

The Documentary: A Deeper Look

Six days after the concert, on March 27, Netflix will debut a documentary titled “BTS: The Return.” This film is directed by Bao Nguyen, who previously directed “The Greatest Night in Pop,” a well-received documentary about the making of the charity song “We Are the World.”

The documentary will chronicle the group’s reunion in Los Angeles as they came together to create new music following their hiatus. According to a press release via Deadline, the film will portray them as they “create new music that reflects who they are now—culminating in what will become a landmark album of its time.”

For parents trying to understand their child’s connection to BTS, this documentary might actually be worth watching together. It could provide insight into who these seven individuals are, how they work together creatively, and why their music resonates so deeply with millions of young people worldwide.

The New Album: “Arirang”

The concert is timed to celebrate the release of BTS’s new album, “Arirang,” which drops on March 20—the day before the livestream performance. This will be the group’s first new album since 2022’s “Proof.”
The album’s title carries cultural significance. “Arirang” is a traditional Korean folk song often considered an unofficial national anthem of Korea, known for its themes of love, loss, and resilience. The choice of this title for their comeback album suggests the members are embracing their Korean heritage while marking this meaningful return.

What This Means for Your Family

Your child’s passion for BTS isn’t just about catchy music—though their songs are certainly that. For many young fans, BTS represents messages of self-acceptance, mental health awareness, and perseverance through difficult times. The members have been open about their own struggles, which resonates deeply with teenagers navigating their own challenges. After years of waiting through military service and solo projects, the group is reuniting as promised.

Whether you decide to wake up early for the March 21 livestream, watch the documentary together on March 27, or start researching tour dates, these events offer genuine opportunities to connect with your child over something they care about deeply. Sometimes, the best way to understand our kids is to show interest in what matters to them—even if it means learning Korean pop group members’ names or setting a very early alarm clock.