BTS, BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, and EXO Return Simultaneously…Creating an Unprecedented Super Cycle in K-pop History

The major K-pop groups are set to return all at once in 2026, sparking an unprecedented super cycle in the industry. Experts predict that the simultaneous activities of BTS, BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, and EXO—the so-called K-pop Big 4—will generate a massive economic impact through global fan mobilization.

BTS will make a full-group comeback on March 20 with their fifth studio album, “Arirang,” after all members have completed their military service, a period spanning 3 years and 9 months. Starting in April, they will hold a world tour consisting of 79 performances across 34 cities worldwide, marking the largest-scale concert campaign in K-pop history. Billboard has analyzed that combined revenue from album sales, world tour tickets and merchandise, streaming, and licensing could exceed $1 billion.

BLACKPINK is releasing a new album four years after their second studio album, “Born Pink,” in 2022, to celebrate their 10th anniversary since Debut. The anticipation for their return has grown further because the global hit song “Apartment,” sung by member Rosé alongside Bruno Mars, received nominations in three categories at the Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year.

BIGBANG is holding a “Legend’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony” to mark their 20th anniversary. The group of three members—G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung—will serve as headliners at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April. Their new album, prepared 10 years after their 2016 studio album “MADE,” is widely expected to set a standard for combining the latest K-pop trends with a long-lasting career model.

EXO was the first big group to kick off 2026. With the completion of military service following the release of youngest member Sehun, they will debut their eighth studio album, “REVERXE,” in a six-member lineup (Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, Lay). In particular, the return of Chinese-born member Lay after five years creates an optimal lineup for uniting global fanbases.

The financial industry predicts that the combined operating profits of the K-pop Big 4—SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and HYBE—will enter the “1 trillion won era” this year.