K-pop idols BTS have announced a globe-spanning, 79-date world tour, marking their return to the stage after a four-year hiatus.

With dates in London, Tokyo, Munich, Sydney, and Los Angeles, it's likely to be one of the biggest tours of the year, especially as the band hasn't played outside the US and South Korea since 2018.

Their previous world tour set records for a K-pop act - earning about $246 million (£182 million) at the global box office. Along the way, BTS became the first Korean act to headline Wembley Stadium.

The new tour will kick off with three nights in South Korea's Goyang Stadium on 9 April 2026, before setting off across Asia, Europe, and America.

The show will see the band performing on a 360-degree, in-the-round stage, allowing for more seats to be made available at every venue.

It will hit London for two nights on 6 and 7 July, 2026, as part of a European leg that also includes dates in Paris, Madrid, Brussels, and Munich.

A message on the band's website stated that further dates would be announced in Japan, the Middle East 'and more' for 2027.

Tickets will be available to fans from 22 January, and the general public two days later.

According to Billboard, the group and their record label BigHit / Hybe stand to make more than $1 billion (£740 million) from their reunion - derived from concerts, merchandise, licensing, album sales, and streaming revenue.

During the band's hiatus in 2024, Hybe's operating profit dropped by almost 37.5%, attributed partially to 'BTS' temporary break'.

Excitement for their comeback has been palpable since rapper and songwriter Suga completed his 18-month mandatory military service last June.

BTS's unique blend of slick dance pop and introspective lyrics has endeared them to millions worldwide, making this comeback eagerly anticipated.