BTS / Captured from social media of band members
All seven members of BTS have appeared together again, setting off intense speculation about an imminent group comeback at a time when the fandom has been rattled by dating rumors and emotionally charged remarks about the band’s future.
On Dec. 12, BTS members RM, J-Hope, V and Suga shared multiple photos on social media showing the group gathered in a practice studio. The images feature RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook posing casually in front of mirrors, including a rare full-group shot of all seven members together.
BTS / Captured from social media of band members
The timing has only amplified expectations. BTS completed their mandatory military service this year and have previously said they plan to release a new album in the spring of next year, followed by a large-scale world tour. Seeing all seven members reunited in a rehearsal space has been widely interpreted by fans as a sign that preparations for a full-group return are underway.
The reunion comes amid a turbulent period for the fandom. On Dec. 5, Jungkook became the subject of dating rumors involving aespa member Winter. The speculation spread rapidly online, with netizens pointing to similarities such as matching dog-face tattoos on their arms, couple-style nail designs and overlapping fashion items as alleged evidence.
Both artists’ agencies have maintained a “no comment” stance, but tensions escalated as fans from both sides organized truck protests outside the agencies’ headquarters, displaying messages related to the alleged couple tattoos and demanding clarification.
The situation grew more complicated when RM addressed team activities during a live broadcast held after the dating rumors surfaced. He said, “I’m not someone who can explain everything whenever something happens,” adding, “I’ve thought tens of thousands of times about whether it would be better to disband the team or put things on hold. The reason we keep going is because there is love among us, and love and respect for you.”
Although RM spoke candidly, his mention of “disbandment” shocked many fans and reignited anxiety across the fandom. On Dec. 8, he posted an apology on the Weverse community, saying, “I feel like I exhausted a lot of ARMYs during that live. I received many messages from people worried about me. I regret turning the live on, but I was overwhelmed. I’m sorry. I’ll just make music, practice choreography together, think about new content, sleep well, and live like that.”
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.