New BTS Army Bomb Ver 4 Teaser Sparks Heated Debate

BTS’s official agency, HYBE, has released a teaser for the fourth version of the group’s iconic light stick, known as the ARMY Bomb, just as anticipation builds for the band’s full-group comeback and upcoming world tour.

The announcement came on February 5 via a video posted online, showcasing a globe-shaped design featuring the BTS logo prominently at its center. The new iteration includes a dedicated stand and additional accessories emblazoned with “ARMY” and “BTS.” It also introduces an advanced wireless control system for enhanced functionality during concerts.

The teaser quickly generated widespread buzz on social media platform X, where hashtags such as “BTS lightstick ver 4,” “Army Bomb ver 4,” and “BTS Army bomb” trended rapidly. This marks the first new official light stick in nearly six years, following the MAP OF THE SOUL Special Edition (SE) released around five years and ten months earlier.

Sales information for the BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4 is scheduled for release in a separate notice at 11 am KST on February 6.

While the reveal signals the official start of BTS’s comeback phase, reactions among fans—known as ARMY—have been sharply divided. Many expressed admiration for the sleek, visually appealing design and celebrated the news as a sign of things to come. However, a significant portion voiced strong disappointment and accusations of corporate greed directed at HYBE.

Fans highlighted the financial burden of past purchases, especially given recent concert ticket costs, travel expenses, and accommodations for the tour. One user commented under an official HYBE Merch post that while the design was appealing, it felt “greedy and unfair” for previous versions (from June onward, including Ver. 3 and the SE) to lose compatibility. Another lamented the lack of a full world tour using the MAP OF THE SOUL SE before it becomes outdated. A third fan described the situation as “incredibly frustrating,” noting they had only recently acquired their previous light stick after long anticipation, only to face the prospect of it being unusable in upcoming concerts.

According to the official Weverse notice from HYBE, wireless control support for the concert light show will continue for Ver. 3, the SE, and Ver. 4 until the “ARIRANG” tour stop in Las Vegas on May 28, 2026. From the Busan concert on June 12, 2026, onward, however, only the Ver. 4 light stick will be compatible. This change also renders the MAP OF THE SOUL Special Edition fully obsolete for future light show participation.

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In K-pop culture, light sticks serve as more than merchandise—they represent fan loyalty and actively contribute to the interactive spectacle at live shows, where synchronized color changes and effects create a unified visual experience under staff control. The introduction of a new model often phases out older ones, leaving some supporters who invested during the group’s military hiatus feeling excluded unless they purchase the latest version.