“Their return will once again bring about new changes to K-pop”- Industry insiders predict BTS’ full group activities to continue without delays

BTS is garnering attention online as HYBE CFO Lee Kyung-jun reportedly stated that their comeback could be delayed to 2026 in the recent third-quarter performance conference. On November 5, Lee Kyung-jun addressed the status of the plans for BTS’ comeback as a full group following their military service.

The HYBE CFO stated that the agency is in discussion with the members about their activities as a group in 2026. Notably, five members RM, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are currently serving in the military. However, according to Sports Seoul, some industry insiders have shown their confidence in the group's comeback without any delay.

An insider stated,

“There were many negative issues during their military service..but despite that, solo albums released by Jimin, Jungkook, and others set new records on Billboard's 'Hot 100', proving the power of their global fandom.Despite all the issues, their return will once again bring about new changes to K-pop.”- they said

Another Industry Insider also weighed in their opinion regarding the septet's musical comeback in 2025.

“HYBE is waiting for BTS's comeback more than ever. For HYBE, who needs an image makeover and new momentum, BTS's full group promotions will lead to an increase in direct sales such as albums, music, and performances, as well as indirect sales such as fan clubs and MDs.”

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HYBE's CFO Lee Kyung-jun opens up about BTS’ group activities post-military service

BTS’ has been garnering attention following HYBE CFO Lee Kyung-jun’s statement regarding their comeback delay during the Q3 Earnings Report conference call that went viral on social media. The septet was previously expected to reunite and release music as a group in 2025 according to the company.

Due to the recent conference reports, concerns among the fans have been raised as many believe that the comeback may be canceled. This is because the CFO stated that it may be pushed further to 2026 as their activities as a group are still in discussion.

According to Sports Seoul, Lee Kyung-jun addressed the question regarding HYBE's revenue contribution after all seven members were discharged from their military duties in 2026.

“We are currently discussing with the members about a full group activity in 2026. BTS's return is expected to bring in a lot of sales, but as new businesses and other artists grow together, BTS's sales dependence will not be as high as before”- he said

On the other hand, previously the group reportedly has shown their intentions to return in 2025 following their military discharge and also plan on a potential world tour in 2026. Due to this, some industry insiders have predicted the comeback to take place without any delays.

HYBE reportedly responded to this with the statement:

“We are closely discussing post-service activities with the members, and once specific plans such as the timing and method are decided, we will announce them at the appropriate time.”

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Besides the group activities, Jin is gearing up for the release of his first solo album Happy. Anticipations are at an all-time high as he would be the last person among the band members to release his solo album.

Furthermore, he has collaborated with artists like American singer Max, Take That's Gary Barlow, Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK members Taka Moriuchi and Toru Yamashita, and Red Velvet's Wendy on different tracks of the album. Happy is set to be released on November 15, 2024.