Uncertainties Over BTS' Future Group Activities According to HYBE CFO: Explanations and Fans' Reactions
BTS's return uncertain?
As BTS members pause their group activities to perform their military service, uncertainty about when their full reunion will take place is growing among fans. This confusion was heightened following a misinterpretation of a Q&A session during HYBE 's third-quarter earnings call.
On November 5, HYBE CFO Lee Kyung Jun was asked about the expected revenue for 2026, the period when BTS would be touring again after their full comeback. A reporter asked, “In 2026, when BTS is back and touring, how much of the revenue generated by BTS can we expect? Will it be more or less than 50%?”
Lee replied, "You're asking about the expected revenue share if BTS resumes activities as a full group. We are currently discussing with the members about their activities for 2026, so we don't have a forecast yet ."
Lee added, "If they return as a full group, we anticipate significant revenue, but at the same time, with the growth of our other artists and new businesses, BTS' share of revenue may not be as high as before."
However, only part of Lee Kyung Jun's response—" We are discussing 2026 activities with the members "—was noticed, leading fans to worry that full-group activities will remain uncertain even after the members' military service ends.
In response to the growing confusion, BTS's label BigHit Music told OSEN , "We are in close discussions with the artists regarding their post-service plans. Once specific details on timings and format are decided, we will inform fans in due course."
Meanwhile, BTS renewed their contract with BigHit Music for the second time last September. Having debuted in June 2013, BTS had first renewed their contract in early 2018, with over a year remaining.
Following the release of Jin and J-Hope , the group expressed a desire to return to full group activities once all members are released by 2025, leaving fans eager to find out the details of this comeback.
Korean netizens reacted, "It seems like it would be better if each member went their own way. I've never really been a fan of BTS, but looking at the situation, it seems especially beneficial for V to leave. He has absolutely nothing to gain from staying with HYBE. Seeing as how Jungkook missed out on the opportunity to perform at the Super Bowl, there's no reason for him to stay either."
“They enlisted quickly and together, and instead of understanding the fans’ disappointment, HYBE even used terms like ‘solo fan struggles’ in their report, which was just chilling. Forget about the full group reunion; HYBE should focus on properly handling fanbase issues on platforms like DC Inside BTS Gallery. A company that cares more about the perpetrators than the victims is a company to leave. Like BLACKPINK, they could focus on solo activities and regroup occasionally for group promotions.”
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