BTS are coming to Australia, but you'd be forgiven for not knowing what those letters mean or why it's such a big deal.
The mega-popular South Korean boy band last performed on Australian soil back in 2017 and haven't performed publicly since 2022, when mandatory military service forced them to disband.
Now BTS are back together and they just announced a massive world tour for 2026 and 2027, including four Australian dates.
Here's what you need to know about BTS before they kick off their Australian shows next February.
Who are BTS?
BTS are a South Korean boy band that have found major international success, especially with the spike in global interest in K-pop in recent years.
The name BTS stands for "Bangtan Sonyeondan" or Bangtan Boys and the band consists of seven members, many of whom go by stage names.
BTS' members are:
- Jin: Kim Seok-jin, 33
- Suga: Min Yoon-gi, 32
- J-Hope: Jung Ho-seok, 31
- RM: Kim Nam-joon, 31
- Jimin: Park Ji-min, 30
- V: Kim Tae-hyung, 30
- Jung Kook: Jeon Jung-kook, 28
Formed in 2010 as a hip-hop group, they debuted (a common K-pop term referring to an idol or group's launch after years of training) in 2013.
At the time of their debut, the members were aged between 15 and 20.
They quickly achieved mainstream and commercial success, which grew until they were the most successful boy band in South Korea, then Asia, and the world.
Why are BTS a big deal?
BTS's popularity has grown exponentially over the last decade, especially on social media, where they have a dedicated fanbase that goes by the name "ARMY".
It stands for "Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth".
By the late 2010s, they'd built a strong international fanbase, including a significant Western audience.
They were the first K-pop group to ever win a Billboard Music Award in 2017 and the first to perform on Saturday Night Live in 2019.
It should come as no surprise then that BTS are credited as one of the most influential groups to help bring K-pop into the global spotlight.
As well as making award-winning music, they have secured brand deals with giants like Samsung, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, and backed a number of charitable and social causes.
Why is the BTS World Tour a big deal?
This will be BTS's first major tour since all members completed their mandatory military service, making it a landmark moment for the band.
All able-bodied South Korean men are expected to complete up to 21 months of military service, usually by the age of 28.
When Jin, the band's oldest member, turned 29 in 2021, it sparked concerns that the band would have to take a step back from the spotlight for an extended period.
Though the members had been allowed to postpone their service until they turned 30, they couldn't put it off forever.
In late 2022, BTS announced they'd be taking a break for all members to complete their mandatory service.
Jin enlisted in December that year, followed by his six bandmates, who staggered their enlistment.
Jin was officially discharged in June 2024 and Suga became the final member to be discharged 12 months later.
BTS publicly reunited on a livestream in July last year to promise fans new music and a world tour; a promise they made good on in January 2026.
When are BTS coming to Australia?
The band announced their 2026-27 BTS World tour on January 13, with the Australian leg set to kick off in Melbourne on February 12, 2027.
They will perform four shows in Australia; two in Melbourne and two in Sydney.
Concert dates are as follows:
- Melbourne - Friday, February 12, 2027
- Melbourne - Saturday, February 13, 2027
- Sydney - Friday, February 20, 2027
- Sydney - Saturday, February 21, 2027
The last confirmed concert date before they fly to Australia is slated for Jakarta, Indonesia, on December 27, 2026.
Fans have speculated that could allow the band to announce additional Australian dates for January or early February 2027.
After their second Sydney show, BTS are slated to perform in Hong Kong on March 4, 2027.
When do tickets go on sale for the BTS Australia tour?
There will be a presale on January 22 and 23 for select fans.
It will only be open to ARMY Membership holders who sign up on the online fan platform Weverse, which is owned by HYBE, the management company behind BTS.
ARMY Membership starts at $US22 ($32) and is currently listed as sold out on Weverse.
General sale will take place on January 24.
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