EXO, BTS, and Wanna One Set for Simultaneous Comebacks in 2026, Signaling Return of the “EXBANGWON” Era

The K-pop market is poised for a major upheaval in 2026 due to the large-scale returns of third-generation idols. EXO, BTS, and Wanna One have announced their comeback dates back-to-back, giving rise to the new term “EXBANGWON” and drawing attention to the potential return of the golden age of this third-generation group.

**EXO Returns with Full Group Album for 8th Studio Album** EXO will commence its full-scale activities on January 19 with the release of its 8th studio album, “REVERXE.” As this is the first full-group album released since all members completed their military service, there is significant interest in seeing how musically this year will be dedicated to intense promotions. Experts are also watching closely to determine whether EXO can once again establish its presence by emphasizing the group’s identity and powerful performances.

**BTS Announces March 20 Comeback and Major World Tour** BTS has confirmed March 20 as the date for its comeback, thrilling fans around the world known as ARMY. A handwritten letter from the members released on New Year’s Day conveyed a sincere promise of full-group activities, leaving a deep impression. V wrote in the letter, “In 2026, we will meet more often and create many wonderful memories together, so please look forward to it.” This album marks the first official release since all members were discharged from military service, as well as the first since the compilation album “Proof” in 2022. It will also be the first full-group official activity since the “Yet to Come in Busan” concert in October 2022. Additionally, a major world tour is planned following the comeback. According to a Daol Investment & Securities report dated November 28, 2025, BTS’s world tour ticket sales alone are expected to generate approximately 900 billion won (621 million dollars), with total revenue including merchandise sales projected to exceed 1.3 trillion won. The global music market is likely to be reshaped once again around BTS in the first half of 2026.

**Wanna One’s “Miraculous Reunion” After 7 Years** Adding to this trend, Wanna One brings the finale with its “miraculous reunion.” On New Year’s Day, Mnet abruptly released a teaser for Wanna One’s comeback along with the message “we GO again.” This reunion, achieved after about 7 years since their final activities in 2019, is set to begin through a reality program, with members sharing the news on social media to celebrate their reunion with fans. Even if it is only a temporary project, the fact that these groups, which once enjoyed massive popularity, are coming together again makes them the hottest topic in the music industry.

**Expected Expansion of the Overall K-pop Market Size** Experts believe that the simultaneous activities of “EXBANGWON” will serve as more than just a nostalgia-driven phenomenon—they will act as a catalyst to further expand the size of the K-pop market. Fans worldwide are focusing on South Korea’s music scene in the first half of 2026, eager to see the synergy between the experience and strength of these three groups that once dominated the third generation and how it will interact with fourth and fifth-generation groups.