The ‘K-pop powerhouses’ are finally back.’

Global groups BTS and BLACKPINK, who took a break from group activities this year for the members‘ military service and individual activities, are expected to resume team activities together in 2025.’

Although neither group has revealed specific return plans, their comeback is being accepted as a fait accompli both inside and outside the music industry, and foreign media and fandoms are already paying close attention.

○ BTS to ‘complete their military service’

Following Jin and J-Hope who were discharged in June and October respectively, the remaining five members of BTS will be discharged or discharged in June next year, completing all of their military service.

In line with this, it is highly likely that they will showcase some form of full group activities in the second half of next year. In particular, since their agency Big Hit Music and parent company Hybe have revealed that they are discussing a BTS world tour in 2026, there is ample room for a new group song to be released next year.

Despite their two-year hiatus, there are expectations that BTS will build a stronger ‘brand power’ immediately after their return. This is thanks to the members’ sequential release of solo albums, movies, and variety shows they completed before their enlistments, minimizing their absence.

Despite having no group activities, they showed their undying popularity by ranking 4th in the ‘Singers who shined this year’ (responses from those in their 30s or younger) recently announced by Gallup Korea. Overseas pop music magazines such as Billboard in the US and NME in the UK also included solo albums by RM, V, Jungkook, and Jimin on their lists of ‘Best Albums of 2024’, evaluating that “the foundation for group activities has been completed”.

○BLACKPINK‘Greatest Comeback Ever’

BLACKPINK, where each of the four members has focused on solo activities this year, has already confirmed full group activities next year. Last year, Yang Hyun-suk, the executive producer of YG Entertainment, the agency with which Blackpink signed an exclusive contract for group activities, recently announced next year‘s annual plan, saying, “Blackpink’s comeback and world tour will begin.”

Jennie, Lisa, and Rosé, excluding Jisoo who is currently working as an actress, have all had success with solo songs this year, leading to speculation that their group activities next year will also achieve “all-time highs.” In particular, there are predictions that Rosé‘s “Apartment” will become a mega hit towards the end of the year, giving a boost to next year’s performance.

The securities industry is also paying attention to their comeback. Daishin Securities and Leading Investment & Securities all released their latest reports, saying, “Blackpink‘s world tour next year is expected to be larger than expected,” and expected a recovery in fandom competition and growth in album sales.


Reporter Yoo Ji-hye yjh0304@donga.com