It's been more than a year since they released an album (make it two years, if we consider how their label promoted BE just as much as they would for a mixtape).
There's been too much discussion about their enlistment lately, and it has got me worried whether BTS is gonna even have a proper comeback before enlisting (if there's no exemption). Jin needs to enlist by the end of this year, and BTS most likely won't comeback until June bc of tour. That means we only have 6 months left.
Now BTS's full focus being on touring, after their american leg, they'll announce a full worldwide tour as their last OT7 concert tour before military service. That would take around 5 months. So at the most, they only have 1 MONTH LEFT?
Now, will they spend that time promoting an album with a hectic schedule or take a break for rest needed after touring, I have no clue.
No wonder HYBE told us that BTS is feeling stressed about the lack of clarity about the enlistment. How are they gonna schedule and plan for touring and comeback within such a short period? Even I would feel stressed if I were them. At this point, I would be glad even if they get to release the album.