BTS unveils ARMY Bomb Version 4 ahead of world tour. Here’s what the BTS light stick is, what’s new, price details, how to order, and why fans are upset.
BTS unveils ARMY Bomb Version 4 ahead of world tour [Photo: X]
BTS’ long-awaited return as a full group has officially begun, but not in the way many fans expected. Ahead of their massive world tour and new album release, HYBE has unveiled BTS’ official light stick Version 4, also known as the ARMY Bomb. While the announcement confirms that BTS is entering a new era, it has also triggered frustration among sections of the fandom.
The new light stick brings upgraded features and a redesigned look, but changes to wireless support for older versions have left many ARMYs disappointed—especially those who purchased previous models during the group’s military hiatus.
The BTS light stick, popularly called the ARMY Bomb, is an official concert accessory used by fans during live performances. It connects wirelessly to concert systems, allowing staff to control colors and lighting effects across the venue. This turns thousands of fans into part of the show’s visual production.
For ARMYs, the light stick represents loyalty, identity, and participation. It is not just merchandise but an essential part of the BTS concert experience.
On February 5, HYBE released a teaser video revealing BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4. The new design features a globe-shaped body with the BTS logo placed at the center. The updated version also includes a light stick stand and additional attachments marked with “BTS” and “ARMY.”
Beyond the appearance, Version 4 introduces a new wireless control system and a dedicated mobile app, offering smoother performance and more interactive features during concerts.
BTS officially unveiled the ARMY Bomb Version 4 on February 5 through a teaser video released by HYBE. The short clip showcased the redesigned globe-shaped light stick with the BTS logo at its center, instantly confirming the group’s transition into a new comeback era.
Following the teaser, HYBE shared an official notice on Weverse, confirming upgraded features, a new wireless control system, and app-based support. The launch timing has fueled speculation that the light stick rollout directly aligns with BTS’ upcoming album release and the BTS WORLD TOUR “ARIRANG.”
While the reveal generated massive buzz and trended across social media platforms, it also sparked debate due to changes in wireless support for older versions.
As of now, HYBE has not officially announced the price of the BTS Official Light Stick Version 4. According to the Weverse notice, detailed sales information including pricing, availability, and shipping regions will be released separately on February 6.
Based on previous BTS light stick releases, fans expect the price to fall within a similar range, though added features such as a new app, cradle, and enhanced wireless system may slightly increase the cost.
ARMYs planning to attend the world tour are closely watching the price update, especially since Version 4 will become the only supported light stick for wireless concert control starting June 2026.
Version 4 comes with several technical and functional upgrades aimed at improving usability:
Even if pairing fails before a show, automatic wireless control may still activate during certain concert segments.
Fans looking to purchase the new ARMY Bomb can follow these steps:
HYBE will release full pricing and availability details in a separate Weverse notice.
Despite the excitement, many fans expressed disappointment after HYBE confirmed changes to wireless support. “I really like the design but I can’t help thinking how greedy and unfair is that from june ver 3/SE won’t be working,” a user commented under the official ‘HYBE Merch’ post. Another fan wrote, “Ending support for MOTS SE despite not having a full world tour using it… disappointing.”
A third BTS fan said, “As beautiful as this new lightstick is, it’s incredibly frustrating to have spent so much money on the previous version only for it to now be unusable in concert. I just barely got mine after wanting it for so long, and now I’ll never get to use it in concert.”
Fans argue that many bought older versions during BTS’ hiatus and never got the chance to use them at a full world tour.
HYBE has clarified the support period for each version:
This means older versions will no longer sync with concert lighting after June 2026.
The light stick announcement confirms BTS’ return to full-scale group activities. The group will release a new album on March 20, marking their first full-group project in over three years.
The BTS WORLD TOUR “ARIRANG” begins in April 2026 and will span multiple global cities. The tour will include major stadium shows and extended dates due to high demand. BTS will also reunite with Filipino ARMYs for a two-day concert in March 2027.
As BTS enters a new chapter, the ARMY Bomb Version 4 stands as both a symbol of their comeback and a controversial talking point among fans.
