BTS Delays Highly Anticipated Comeback to 2026

On November 5, 2024, during a quarterly earnings call, HYBE Entertainment announced a shift in the timeline for BTS’ much-anticipated comeback. Originally slated for 2025, the new comeback date is now set for 2026, marking a strategic decision aimed at allowing the members ample time to recuperate after their military obligations.

Financial Insights from HYBE

HYBE’s Chief Financial Officer, Lee Gyeong-jun, provided insights into ongoing discussions regarding BTS’ activities in 2026. He stressed the significant financial implications of the group’s return while acknowledging concerns about balancing revenue streams. Lee elaborated that while BTS remains a pivotal element of HYBE’s revenue strategy, the company intends to diversify by fostering collaborations with other artists and exploring fresh business opportunities.

Fan Reactions: Support for Extended Break

Many BTS fans have expressed their approval of the decision to extend the comeback timeline, recognizing the necessity of rest for the members post-military duty. Comments shared on X (formerly Twitter) reflect this sentiment:

“They deserve time to rest; they can’t possibly just come back and start working, so it’s good the comeback will be in 2026.”

“I’m glad they aren’t putting pressure on BTS for a comeback,” remarked another fan.

“This will lift the burden off BTS’s shoulders,”voiced a dedicated supporter.

Other fans echoed similar thoughts, stating that a 2026 reunion feels more feasible for the group:

“Let them take their time to rest, no problem!”

“If we want BTS to deliver a self-produced album with effective marketing and incredible choreography, waiting until 2026 is essential,”one fan articulated.

“For me, 2026 was always a more realistic timeline, especially for a tour. I never understood how people thought they could return, produce an entire album, and tour all within six months,” expressed another fan.

A Broader Strategy for HYBE

During the same earnings call, CFO Lee Gyeong-jun confirmed that while discussions about a possible BTS world tour in 2026 are underway, no specific schedules or revenue projections have been finalized yet. He stated:

“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 emphasized that though BTS’ group activities would continue to play a major role in HYBE’s revenue, the company’s growing roster of artists means that reliance solely on BTS may diminish.

Current Status of BTS Members

As of now, Jin and j-hope have completed their military service, with the remaining members expected to fulfill their obligations by June 2025. This transition period is crucial not only for the members’ individual growth but also for HYBE to strategize its return effectively.

HYBE’s Financial Landscape

Recent financial reports reveal that HYBE experienced a 25.4% decline in operating profit year-over-year in the third quarter of 2024, amounting to 54.2 billion KRW. Total sales revenue reached 527.8 billion KRW, reflecting a slight 1.9% decrease. Furthermore, net income saw a dramatic drop of 98.6%, falling to 1.4 billion KRW, primarily due to losses incurred from investments and foreign exchange issues.

Despite these challenges, HYBE remains optimistic, having reported cumulative sales exceeding 1.5 trillion KRW in the third quarter, positioning the company to potentially surpass 2 trillion KRW in annual revenue for the second consecutive year. The operating profit margin also showed improvement, rising from 4% in the first quarter to 10.3% by the third quarter. Additionally, HYBE plans to continue showcasing various artists, including BTS’ Jin, in a bid to sustain this upward trajectory.

For further details, you can refer to the original report here.