As BTS members fulfill their mandatory military service, fans have grown increasingly curious about the timing of the group’s full return. However, recent comments from Hybe’s Q3 earnings conference call have fueled speculation, prompting BigHit Music to clarify their stance.
On November 5th, HYBE’s CFO, Lee Kyung Joon, responded to questions about the company’s projected 2026 revenue during its Q3 earnings conference call. When asked by reporters if BTS’s return in 2026 would contribute over 50% of HYBE’s revenue, Lee was candid: “We’re still in discussions with the members regarding their 2026 activities, so there are no projections at this point.” He added, “Of course, a full-group comeback would yield substantial revenue, but with the growth of our other artists and new business ventures, BTS’s contribution may not be as dominant as it was in the past.”
However, one particular line from Lee’s response—“We’re still discussing 2026 activities with the members”—became a focal point, leading fans to question if BTS’s full-group return might be delayed even after members complete their military service.
The initial inquiry was aimed at understanding BTS’s contribution to HYBE’s 2026 revenue and was not directly linked to a specific comeback timeline. Additionally, if a 2026 tour is in the works, a full-group album would likely need to be released by late 2025. Since the question was framed around 2026, there was no mention of 2025 activities, and Lee’s response that BTS’s plans were “still under discussion” was in reference to the following year’s agenda.
Industry insiders have long speculated that BTS is unlikely to push back its full-group comeback beyond 2026. Both BTS and Big Hit Music have consistently pointed to late 2025 as a target for the group’s return, and the members chose to enlist together largely to minimize time away from fans.
Addressing the latest wave of speculation, Big Hit Music assured fans by telling OSEN, “We are in close discussions with the artists regarding BTS’s post-military plans. Once specific plans regarding timing and approach are confirmed, we will share them with fans at an appropriate time.”
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