Ok-pop boy band BTS is managed by BigHit Music, a subsidiary of HYBE. Courtesy of BigHit Music
Feedback from HYBE’s Q3 earnings name fuels hypothesis over delay
By Pyo Kyung-min
Anticipation has been rising for the complete return of Ok-pop supergroup BTS in 2025, in any case seven members full their army service. Nonetheless, latest feedback from the band’s company, have sparked hypothesis a couple of doable delay till 2026.
Trade analysts, nevertheless, had been fast to dismiss the potential of a 2026 return, affirming {that a} late 2025 reunion stays doubtless.
Throughout the company’s third-quarter earnings name, Tuesday, HYBE’s chief monetary officer (CFO) Lee Kyung-jun addressed BTS’ future plans and anticipated income contributions postmilitary service. When particularly requested about BTS’ projected income affect in 2026, Lee famous, “We’re presently discussing (BTS’) full-fledged group actions for 2026 with the members.”
“Plans for 2026 haven’t but been finalized,” the CFO famous. “Whereas a full-group comeback (of BTS) would certainly generate vital income, the expansion of different artists and new enterprise ventures signifies that BTS’ share of general income is just not more likely to be as excessive as prior to now.”
HYBE Labels’ headquarters in Yongsan District, Seoul, Nov. 5. Yonhap
Following the CFO’s feedback, followers took to social media to specific issues that BTS’ return, initially anticipated in 2025, could be postponed.
Among the many seven BTS members, Jin and J-Hope have accomplished their army service, with the remaining members — RM, Suga, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — scheduled to complete by June 2025, setting the stage for the group’s actions to renew thereafter.
HYBE had additionally beforehand instructed {that a} full-group comeback may happen in late 2025, particularly after confirming in September 2023 that each one members had renewed their contracts, signaling a chronic relationship with the company.
In response to the web hypothesis, HYBE clarified that the CFO’s feedback didn’t indicate a change to the beforehand anticipated group reunion in late 2025.
“We’re in shut discussions with the artists concerning their postmilitary actions. As soon as we finalize the timing and specifics, we are going to inform (the general public) on the acceptable time,” the company disclosed, refraining from providing particular particulars.
Ok-pop boy group BTS / Courtesy of Bighit Music
Trade insiders imagine it is unlikely that BTS’ comeback can be delayed past 2025. Each HYBE and the members have beforehand talked about late 2025 as their goal and the members’ resolution to enlist across the identical time was seen as an effort to reunite as a bunch as quickly as doable.
NH Funding & Securities researcher Lee Hwa-jung reaffirmed the anticipated timeline on the decision, saying, “A full-group album launch for BTS is scheduled for late 2025, indicating no change to the anticipated comeback date. HYBE is poised for fast progress, with income streams from albums, streaming, live shows, fan golf equipment and merchandise.”
Kim Hern-sik, a popular culture critic, additionally pointed to the continual assist of the band’s fanbase.
“BTS ought to be capable of regroup shortly after their army service. Their fanbase stays robust and particular person actions have enhanced their synergy,” the critic stated.
“This may occasionally come off as one other check for HYBE as it’ll face the necessity to handle BTS amid excessive fan expectations and an more and more demanding fandom,” Kim added, noting potential administration dangers.
One other problem arose with Suga’s DUI incident in August, the place he was fined for using an electrical scooter beneath the affect. The incident has not solely affected Suga’s status, but in addition forged a shadow over the group, as a result of destructive sentiment towards drunk driving in Korea.
In the meantime, HYBE reported through the name that its third-quarter working revenue dropped by 25.4 p.c to 54.2 billion received ($38.8 million), whereas web revenue plummeted by 98.6 p.c to 1.4 billion received ($1 million).
Even throughout its hiatus, BTS has stored followers engaged by releasing solo tasks, prerecorded by its members. Jin, the group’s eldest member who was the primary to finish his army service in June, is about to launch his first solo album, “Completely satisfied,” on Nov. 15.
