K-pop supergroup BTS has released their first-ever live album, giving fans new music while the band remains on hiatus for military service.
“Permission to Dance On Stage,” released Friday, features 22 tracks recorded during the group’s 2021-2022 world tour of the same name. The album includes live versions of their Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers “Dynamite,” “Butter,” and “Life Goes On.”
Alongside the album, BTS released a digital package called “Permission to Dance On Stage – Seoul,” containing footage from their March 13, 2022 concert at Olympic Stadium in Seoul. The package includes a 92-page interview photobook with behind-the-scenes photos from the performance.
The release comes as all seven BTS members – RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – continue completing their mandatory military service in South Korea. The group has been unable to maintain full-band activities during this period, making the live album a way to connect with fans until their planned reunion.
On July 1, the members reunited on camera for the first time in years during a Weverse livestream to announce their future plans. “Starting in July, all seven of us will begin working closely together on new music,” they said in a band statement. “Since it will be a group album, it will reflect each member’s thoughts and ideas.”
The group also confirmed plans for a world tour alongside their new album. “We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are,” they added.
BTS is not scheduled to fully reunite until 2026, when all members will have completed their military obligations. The “Permission to Dance On Stage” tour was their last series of concerts before beginning their military service hiatus.
The live album serves as a bridge between their current hiatus and their anticipated return, allowing fans to relive the concert experience while waiting for new material.
