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BTS have officially entered their long-awaited full-group era, and the signal came earlier than many fans expected — not with a music teaser, but with merchandise. On February 5, 2026, HYBE unveiled BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4, popularly known as the ARMY Bomb Version 4, ahead of BTS’ global comeback and world tour.
While the reveal created massive excitement, it also sparked one of the most heated debates the fandom has seen in years. The reason? A major change in wireless support that directly affects older light stick versions.
This article breaks down everything confirmed so far — what’s new, what’s changing, why ARMYs are divided, and what this launch means for BTS’ upcoming world tour — using only verified information from official notices and trusted reporting.
What Is the BTS Official Light Stick (ARMY Bomb)?
The BTS light stick, widely known as the ARMY Bomb, is the group’s official concert accessory. Unlike regular glow sticks, it connects wirelessly to a venue’s central control system during concerts.
This system allows production teams to:
- Change colours in real time
- Sync lighting effects with music
- Turn tens of thousands of fans into part of the stage design
In simple terms, the ARMY Bomb transforms a concert crowd into a coordinated visual experience.
For fans, the light stick holds emotional value too. It represents identity, loyalty, and participation. Many ARMYs don’t see it as merchandise — they see it as a badge.
BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4: First Look and Design Changes
HYBE revealed ARMY Bomb Version 4 through a short teaser video released on February 5, 2026. The video confirmed a redesigned look while keeping the familiar core identity intact.
Design highlights:
- A globe-shaped body with a sleeker finish
- The BTS logo embedded at the centre
- New attachments featuring “BTS” and “ARMY”
- A dedicated light stick stand (cradle) included
The updated design feels more refined and minimal. It moves away from decorative complexity and leans into a clean, modern aesthetic — a visual reset that matches BTS’ new chapter.
What’s New in BTS Light Stick Version 4?
The real changes go beyond appearance. According to HYBE’s official Weverse notice, Version 4 introduces a new technical ecosystem designed for future tours.
Confirmed new features include:
- New wireless control system for smoother venue-wide syncing
- Dedicated mobile app for pairing and concert functions
- Concert Mode, which records attended shows
- Self Mode, allowing users to select and save colours
- “Color Shaking” feature, where colours change when shaken
- Ability to use the light stick as a mood lamp at home using the cradle
HYBE also confirmed that even if pairing fails before a concert, automatic wireless control may still activate during specific segments of the show.
This points to a system designed for reliability in large stadium environments.
BTS Light Stick Version 4 Launch Timing Explained
The launch timing raised eyebrows — and for good reason.
HYBE introduced BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4 just weeks before:
- BTS’ new album release on March 20, 2026
- The start of the BTS WORLD TOUR “ARIRANG” in April 2026
This strongly suggests strategic alignment. In K-pop, light sticks are not just accessories. They form part of tour infrastructure.
By launching Version 4 now, HYBE ensures that the upcoming tour runs on a single, unified wireless system.
From a technical perspective, that decision makes sense. From a fan perspective, it’s complicated.
BTS Light Stick Ver.4 Price: What We Know So Far
As of now, HYBE has not officially announced the price of BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4.
The Weverse notice confirmed that:
- Sales details, pricing, and shipping regions would be announced separately
- The sales announcement is scheduled for February 6 at 11 AM KST
Based on previous releases, fans expect the price to fall within a similar range, though:
- The new app
- Wireless upgrades
- Included stand
could slightly increase the cost.
Until HYBE confirms the price, any exact figure remains speculation — and should be treated as such.
How to Order BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4
Once sales officially open, purchasing will follow the standard Weverse Shop process.
Expected steps:
- Visit Weverse Shop
- Search for BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4
- Select quantity and check regional availability
- Complete payment and shipping details
- Download the official app after delivery
HYBE has advised fans to wait for the official sales notice for region-specific availability.
Why ARMYs Are Upset: The Wireless Support Controversy
The strongest reaction didn’t come from the design. It came from the support timeline.
HYBE confirmed the following through an official Weverse notice:
- VER.3, MAP OF THE SOUL Special Edition (SE), and VER.4 will all receive wireless support until May 28, 2026
- This support ends after the Las Vegas stop of the BTS WORLD TOUR “ARIRANG”
- Starting June 12, 2026 (Busan concert), only VER.4 will support wireless control
This means older versions will no longer sync with concert lighting after June 2026.
Why This Decision Hit a Nerve
Many ARMYs purchased VER.3 or MOTS SE during BTS’ military hiatus. Some never got the chance to attend a full OT7 world tour with those light sticks.
Fans voiced concerns about:
- Financial strain after ticket purchases
- Travel and accommodation costs
- Feeling forced to upgrade despite recent purchases
On social media, several fans described the move as “unfair” and “greedy,” especially given the timing.
The frustration isn’t about aesthetics. It’s about access.
The Technical Reality Behind the Decision
From a production standpoint, running multiple wireless systems in massive stadiums poses challenges.
A single standardized light stick:
- Reduces pairing issues
- Improves synchronization accuracy
- Simplifies technical setup
Most major K-pop tours now operate this way. While the decision feels harsh, it aligns with industry practices.
Understanding that logic doesn’t erase disappointment — but it explains the choice.
BTS World Tour “ARIRANG” and What Comes Next
The light stick announcement confirms what fans have waited years to hear: BTS are fully back.
Confirmed plans include:
- New album release: March 20, 2026
- World tour launch: April 2026
- Multiple global stadium shows
- Extended dates due to demand
The tour marks BTS’ first full-group world tour in over three years.
In that context, BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4 becomes more than merchandise. It becomes a symbol of transition — from hiatus to reunion.
Is BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4 Worth Buying?
That depends on one thing: your concert plans.
If you plan to attend concerts after June 2026, Version 4 becomes necessary for full participation in the light show.
If you don’t, older versions remain perfectly usable as collectibles, mood lamps, or memorabilia.
The light stick still lights up. What changes is the system controlling it.
Final Thoughts: A New Era, With Mixed Feelings
BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4 represents progress, modernization, and a fresh chapter for the group.
It also represents a tough adjustment for fans who supported BTS during their absence.
Both emotions can exist at the same time.
As BTS prepare to step back onto the global stage, the ARMY Bomb Version 4 stands at the centre of celebration and controversy — glowing, quite literally, at the heart of the fandom.
