Fans of BTS rushed to Weverse this month after the group's official merchandise platform released the long-awaited Army Bomb Version 4, a new generation of the group's signature concert light stick that sold out within minutes of going on sale. The release, announced ahead of BTS's anticipated return to large-scale touring in 2026, marks the first major update to the Army Bomb in nearly six years.
According to Weverse, pre-orders opened on Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. KST and were available only while supplies lasted. Many fans reported that both the initial drop and a brief restock disappeared almost instantly, underscoring pent-up demand following the group's military hiatus.
The Version 4 light stick arrives as RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook prepare to resume full-group activities. For many fans, the new model represents a symbolic reset rather than a routine merchandise update.
Weverse published detailed pricing and purchasing information on Feb. 6. The main Army Bomb Version 4 unit retails for £25.76, with optional accessories sold separately. Purchase limits were imposed to control demand.
Key purchase details include:
- One light stick and one cradle per account
- Up to two accessory sets per account
- Payment options varying by region, including major credit cards, PayPal, Alipay+, WeChat Pay and local digital wallets
While the exterior design remains familiar, Weverse emphasized that most changes are internal. Version 4 uses an upgraded wireless system designed to improve synchronization with stage lighting, expand color ranges and reduce lag during large-scale concerts. Fans can now verify pairing status before performances, with partial automatic activation built in if manual pairing fails.
The accompanying mobile app has also been updated, adding venue maps, pairing booth locations and a concert history feature. Users can change colors directly on the device, including a randomized "color shaking" mode. A separate cradle accessory allows the light stick to function as a small lamp, a feature aimed at home display.
Weverse confirmed that older Army Bomb models will gradually lose wireless concert functionality. Version 3 and the MAP OF THE SOUL Special Edition will only remain compatible through the Las Vegas leg of the "ARIRANG" concert series scheduled for May 2026. From the Busan concert in June onward, only Version 4 will support synchronized light shows.
Sales of the MAP OF THE SOUL Special Edition have already ended, signaling a broader transition as BTS prepares for its next touring cycle. For fans attending future concerts, the shift effectively makes Version 4 a requirement rather than an upgrade.
The Army Bomb has long been central to BTS concerts, forming coordinated "purple oceans" during performances and responding in real time to setlists and stage cues. As BTS returns to global arenas in 2026, Version 4 is positioned as a technical and symbolic bridge between the group's past tours and its next era.
