EXO to Make Comeback on January 19, BTS on March 20 – Era of “EXBANGWON” Approaching

Representative K-pop groups from the 2010s are set to make large-scale comebacks in the first quarter of 2026. EXO will return on January 19 with their 8th studio album, while BTS will make their comeback on March 20 with their 5th studio album, drawing increasing attention from global fans.

EXO is returning on January 19 with their 8th studio album titled “REVERXE.” This marks their first comeback in 2 years and 6 months since releasing their 7th studio album “EXIST” in July 2023. The group began preparing for this comeback seriously last month by holding a fan meeting. Six members—Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay—will participate in this promotional activity.

EXO stirred nostalgia among fans at the 2025 Melon Music Awards (MMA 2025) by performing a medley of their hit songs such as “Wolf and Beauty,” “Monster,” “Love Shot,” and “Growl.” They also unveiled their new song “Back It Up” during that stage, further intensifying excitement for their comeback.

BTS has confirmed their comeback for March 20. This is their first studio album release in approximately 3 years and 9 months since all members completed their military service last year. With plans for a large-scale world tour alongside their 5th studio album, BTS is generating even greater interest among global fans.

Major international media outlets, including CBS News, Complex, People in the United States, and the British music magazine NME, are paying close attention to these comeback announcements. The coordinated movements of the “EXBANGWON” group—comprising EXO, BTS, and Wanna One, who represented the third generation of K-pop in the 2010s—are expected to inject new momentum into the K-pop industry.