BTS Full Group Comeback Potentially Delayed to 2026, HYBE CFO Reveals in Latest Financial Report
In a significant announcement that has caught the attention of fans worldwide, HYBE Corporation has indicated that BTS's highly anticipated full-group comeback might not happen immediately after the members complete their military service in 2025 . This revelation came during the company's Q3 earnings call, where HYBE CFO Lee Kyung Joon provided insights into the group's future activities.
While all seven BTS members are expected to complete their mandatory military service by June 2025 the timeline for their group activities appears to be extending further than initially anticipated. According to HYBE's CFO, the group will need additional time for reorganization and preparation before making their official return, potentially pushing their comeback to 2026 .
This announcement marks a shift from earlier expectations, as many fans had hoped for an immediate group comeback following the members' military discharge. The extended timeline reflects the complexity and careful planning required for BTS's return to full-group activities. HYBE's statement suggests that the company is taking a methodical approach to ensure a successful reunion and comeback.
The development has sparked various reactions within the BTS ARMY community. Some fans have stepped forward to clarify that while a reunion will definitely happen after military service, the group never explicitly promised a comeback in 2025. This distinction between reunion and comeback has become an important point of discussion among fans and industry observers alike.
HYBE's current focus appears to be on managing expectations while ensuring proper preparation for the group's eventual return. The company's CFO mentioned that discussions are actively underway regarding the group's activities in 2026 indicating that while plans are being made, they require careful consideration and coordination.
During this interim period, individual members who have completed their service have begun resuming solo activities. Jin and J-Hope, who were among the first to enlist, have already started engaging in individual projects. This pattern of solo activities is expected to continue as other members complete their service obligations, maintaining the group's presence in the industry while working toward their full-group return.
The timeline adjustment reflects the complex nature of coordinating a comeback for a group of BTS's stature. Following their military service, the members will need time to reconvene, prepare new material, and plan their group activities. This preparation period is crucial for maintaining the high standards that fans have come to expect from BTS performances and releases.
Big Hit Music, BTS's agency under HYBE, has confirmed that ongoing discussions are taking place with the members regarding their post-military service group activities. This communication suggests that while the timeline may be extended, the commitment to a full-group return remains strong.
The landscape of K-pop has evolved significantly since BTS began their military service obligations, and their return strategy must take into account these changes. The additional preparation time could allow the group to develop new content and concepts that reflect both their growth as artists and the current state of the industry.
Industry experts note that this extended timeline might actually benefit both the group and their fans. It allows for a more carefully planned and executed comeback, ensuring that BTS can meet or exceed the high expectations set by their previous work. The additional time also provides opportunities for the members to readjust to civilian life and reconnect as a group before diving into intensive comeback preparations.
Looking ahead, while June 2025 marks the completion of all members' military service the period between their discharge and the eventual group comeback will likely be filled with various individual activities and careful preparation for their reunion. This approach allows for a gradual build-up to their full-group return while maintaining engagement with their global fanbase.
The situation demonstrates the evolving nature of artist management in the K-pop industry, particularly regarding military service obligations and group activities. HYBE's transparent communication about the timeline, while potentially disappointing to some fans, shows a commitment to realistic planning and quality assurance for BTS's future activities.
As discussions continue between the agency and the members, fans can expect more detailed information about BTS's post-military service plans to emerge gradually. The focus appears to be on ensuring a meaningful and impactful return rather than rushing to meet an arbitrary deadline .
The anticipation for BTS's full-group comeback remains high, regardless of the timeline adjustment. Their influence on global popular culture continues to be significant, and their eventual return as a complete group is expected to be a major event in the entertainment industry. While the wait may be longer than initially hoped, the careful planning and preparation period suggests that the comeback will be worth the additional time.
This development also highlights the importance of managing expectations in the ever-evolving K-pop industry. As one of the most influential groups in global pop music, BTS's approach to their post-military service activities could set new precedents for how similar situations are handled by other artists and agencies in the future.
As 2026 approaches, fans and industry observers will be watching closely for further updates about BTS's group activities. While the extended timeline may require more patience, it reinforces HYBE's commitment to ensuring that BTS's return meets the high standards that both the group and their global fanbase have established over the years.