BTS Likely to Reunite in 2026, HYBE Confirms
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BTS Fans May Have to Wait Until 2026 for Full Group Reunion Despite Military Service Ending in 2025.
Fans of the global sensation BTS may need to exercise patience a little longer, as recent reports suggest the seven-member group might not reunite until 2026, despite all members completing their mandatory military service by 2025. HYBE, the management company for BTS, recently hinted that logistical and strategic factors could delay the band’s much-anticipated comeback.
The speculation around BTS’s reunion intensified during HYBE’s Q3 earnings call on November 5, where CFO Lee Kyung Joon revealed that while BTS’s return would undoubtedly be impactful, the company anticipates this return to contribute a smaller portion of overall earnings than in previous years. HYBE’s other artists and business ventures have increasingly bolstered the company’s growth, shifting the revenue landscape.
HYBE CFO announces BTS’ full group comeback has been delayed to 2026. The group were originally expected to make their return in 2025 💜#bts #btsarmy #mtvceleb pic.twitter.com/A7xc67n4R4
— MTV UK (@MTVUK) November 6, 2024
The prolonged wait for BTS’s reunion dates back to their mandatory enlistment, a requirement for all able-bodied South Korean men under the age of 30. In 2022, as the eldest member, Jin, prepared to enlist, BTS announced a temporary hiatus to comply with this national duty. So far, both Jin and J-Hope have successfully completed their military service, and the remaining five members—Suga, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—are expected to finish theirs by June 2025. However, HYBE’s remarks suggest that while military duties will conclude next year, a coordinated return might take more time, pushing the reunion date to 2026.
The company’s comments reflect the complexity of managing a major comeback for a group as prominent as BTS. Since announcing their hiatus, BTS has not only navigated military enlistment schedules but has also pursued individual careers, with several members releasing solo music. For example, Jin is expected to debut his first solo album later this month, marking another milestone in the members’ individual artistic journeys.
Another recent challenge involved member Suga, who faced scrutiny following an incident with an e-scooter in Seoul earlier this year, briefly affecting HYBE’s stock performance. Though no serious consequences followed, the incident served as a reminder of the high public and media attention on BTS members, both individually and collectively.
Despite these individual projects and challenges, fans remain hopeful for a reunion, though they may have to wait until HYBE confirms a concrete timeline. The idea of BTS’s return has already generated significant buzz, and while 2026 may seem like a long time, it also reflects the meticulous planning that goes into ensuring the group’s eventual comeback lives up to expectations.
Taes friend has completed his military service and posted some pics and messages to Taehyung.
— BTS FAN ACCOUNT 🍁🍂'25 (@BTSFANSINCE2015) October 31, 2024
1/2#Taehyung pic.twitter.com/mrmm9jFDj5
For now, HYBE’s focus appears to be balancing BTS’s anticipated comeback with the company’s broader growth strategy. Since BTS’s initial hiatus, HYBE has heavily invested in promoting its other artists and expanding its ventures to diversify revenue streams. BTS’s comeback, whenever it happens, is still expected to be a cultural moment, likely reigniting the massive fanbase that has supported them worldwide.
Until then, fans can expect to see more individual projects from BTS members as they complete their service obligations. While 2026 may feel distant, the news has only amplified the anticipation, with fans counting down the days until BTS reunites as a group, ready to make waves once again in the music world.
Jin of BTS has officially been discharged from the military. pic.twitter.com/ZwBIDDje5a
— Pop Base (@PopBase) June 12, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
