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On November 6, 2024, it was announced that BTS’ highly anticipated comeback, initially expected in 2025, will instead take place in 2026. This update was shared during HYBE’s third quarter conference call on November 5, and multiple Korean outlets reported the news via Naver. The decision is reportedly part of HYBE’s strategy to reduce its reliance on BTS by further diversifying its revenue sources.
HYBE’s CFO, Lee Gyeong-jun, shared that discussions are ongoing with BTS regarding their 2026 activities, acknowledging the strong financial impact of their return. However, he emphasized that while the septet’s comeback will remain a significant contributor to HYBE’s revenue, the company aims to expand by developing partnerships with other artists and exploring new business avenues.
Many fans have shown support for this decision, noting that it may reduce pressure on BTS after completing their military service. A fan posted on X:
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“they deserve time to rest, they cant possibly just come back and start working so its good the comeback will be in 2026.”
“I am glad they are not putting pressure on BTS comeback,” a fan stated.
“This would take the pressure from bts shoulders,” a fan claimed.
“I’m here to support them, ALWAYS.” A fan assured.
Some wrote longer messages, many expressing how a 2026 reunion is more realistic for the group.
“No problem it’s okay let them take rest,” a fan expressed.
“This is understandable coz if u want tannies to release a self produced album with 10/10 marketing and concept and excellent choreography then yall have to wait until 2026,” a fan wrote.
“Idk about some but for me 2026 was always more realistic especially for the tour, never understood how people could really think they will come out, do a whole album, come together and do a big tour in less than 6 months,” another fan said.
HYBE to focus on other methods of generating revenue apart from BTS
HYBE is currently in discussions regarding full-group activities for BTS in 2026, as revealed by CFO Lee Gyeong-jun during an earnings call on November 5, 2024. When asked about a potential BTS world tour in 2026 and its impact on HYBE’s revenue, he confirmed that talks are underway with the members, but specific projections or schedules have not yet been set.
He responded about the projected revenue share, stating,
“We are still in discussions with the members about activities in 2026, and no projections have been finalized. While the revenue share from full group activities will be significant, the growth of other artists means it likely won’t be as high as before.”
Lee Gyeong-jun emphasized that while full-group activities would naturally hold a significant share of the company’s revenue, the impact may not be as pronounced as before due to the growth of other artists within HYBE’s roster. Currently, Jin and j-hope have completed their military service, and all other group members are expected to finish their service obligations by June 2025.
In September 2023, HYBE officially announced the re-signing of exclusive contracts with all seven members under BigHit Music, marking their second contract renewal since their debut in June 2013 and early contract renewal in October 2018.
On the financial side, HYBE reported a quarter three 2024 operating profit of 54.2 billion KRW, which marks a 25.4% decrease from the previous year. Total sales revenue was 527.8 billion KRW, a slight drop of 1.9%, while net income dropped by 98.6% to 1.4 billion KRW, largely due to losses from investments in other companies and foreign exchange fluctuations.
HYBE expressed optimism about its overall performance, noting that quarter 3 cumulative sales exceeded 1.5 trillion KRW, putting the company on track to surpass 2 trillion KRW in annual revenue for the second consecutive year. HYBE’s operating profit margin has shown a rising trend, moving from 4% in quarter 1 to 10.3% by the third quarter. In quarter 4, HYBE plans to showcase multiple artists, including BTS’ Jin, in various activities to continue this growth.
