K-pop Remains Strong in January, with EXO and APINK’s Comebacks and Returning Artists After Military Service Announced

The K-pop market has maintained strong momentum since the beginning of 2026. A series of comebacks by legendary groups, debuts of new soloists, and returns of artists who completed their military service have resulted in a dense schedule of new song releases from the start of the year.

Looking at the major comeback dates starting in early January, on January 5, MONSTA X’s Zuho released his second solo mini album “INSANITY,” showcasing intense energy and a unique rap style. On the same day, APINK unveiled their 11th mini album “RE : LOVE,” featuring signature warm pop sounds and songs with mature emotional expressions. Additional comebacks followed on January 7, as Chuu made his official solo debut with his first full-length album “XO, My Cyberlove,” while the rock band CNBLUE presented music that combined band sounds with pop sensibilities through their third full-length album “3LOGY.”

On January 19, a significant return took place in K-pop history. EXO released their eighth full-length album “REVERXE” after a long hiatus. The album, titled after its lead track “Crown,” featured all six members, with Lay’s participation drawing particular attention as he had not been active in group activities for several years. However, the sub-unit EXO-CBX, composed of Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin, did not appear on the album due to ongoing conflicts between SM and INB100.

On January 20, ONEUS released their single album “原 (Won),” which held special significance for the group. It was their last album under RBW to include the title track “Grenade,” marking a turning point as they moved forward after their seven-year contract with the agency expired.

Another notable aspect of the 2026 K-pop market is the return schedule of artists who completed their military service. At the beginning of the year, SEBIN of OMEGA X and HYUK of VIXX started their military service, while iKON’s Song Yoon-hyung is scheduled to finish his service on February 12. May 3 is set to be a special day for K-pop fans, as NCT’s Jaehyun and Kim Woo-seok will complete their military service on the same day, generating high expectations. By the end of June, JEONGHAN of SEVENTEEN will finish his service, marking the first member of SEVENTEEN to return and expected to be a meaningful moment for the CARAT fandom. In addition, members of THE BOYZ and ONEUS are scheduled to complete their military service sequentially throughout summer and fall.

Notable achievements can also be seen in physical album sales. The best-selling physical album in South Korea in 2025 was “KARMA” by the K-pop boy group Stray Kids, which sold approximately 3.4 million copies and set a record. Amid the global music industry’s shift toward digital and streaming sales, K-pop remains a unique exception. Strategies such as K-pop fandom culture, attractive photo books and collectible cards, and opportunities to receive fan signings continue to drive physical album purchases, a phenomenon that is rare in the global music market.