BTS's new album 'ARIRANG' and the activities of new artists were pivotal.
Indirect revenue also saw significant growth, further proving K-Pop's ongoing expansion.
[TV Daily] HYBE reported record high sales during the first quarter of 2026, traditionally regarded as the off-season in the entertainment industry. This remarkable achievement can be attributed to the return of BTS and the rise of new artists. The company generated a revenue of 698.3 billion KRW for Q1, reflecting a 40% jump from 500.6 billion KRW in the same period last year, thus setting a new record for Q1 performances. Direct engagement revenues, which span albums and concerts, amounted to 403.7 billion KRW, a 25% increase, with album sales reaching 271.5 billion KRW—a staggering 99% rise compared to the previous year. The success of BTS's fifth studio album, 'ARIRANG,' played a pivotal role, with 3.98 million copies sold on its first day. The album achieved a historic milestone by topping Billboard's 'Billboard 200' chart for three consecutive weeks—the first for a Korean artist. The title track, 'SWIM,' reached number one on the 'Hot 100,' with every song on the album making it onto various charts. ENHYPEN also continued to show stability with their mini-album, marking their fourth double million seller. The rookie group KATSEYE has surpassed 32 million monthly listeners on Spotify, making waves in the global market. Another rookie group, KORTIS, set a record for K-Pop debut album sales by surpassing 2 million copies sold with their debut album. Indirect engagement revenues saw a significant increase to 294.7 billion KRW, a 66% rise, driven largely by the demand for BTS tour merchandise and early sales for the official fan club. HYBE anticipates further growth in Q2, with plans for resuming activities of major artists and factoring in the performances of BTS's world tour.
HYBE's recent achievements are a direct reflection of the harmonious interplay between BTS's comeback and the vibrant activities of new artists. The success of BTS's fifth studio album, 'ARIRANG,' is not just represented by impressive sales figures, but shows their musical evolution and deepening relationship with fans. The album's massive sales on release day attest to their sustained global fandom. This trend underscores how an artist's brand value can translate into tangible financial success.
New artists are also making significant strides. ENHYPEN continues to grow steadily, particularly as their visibility on charts illustrates the fruitful cultivation of well-made K-Pop artists. KATSEYE's global success is noteworthy, hinting at a widening base for K-Pop and signaling the forthcoming competition brought by new groups in the global market.
HYBE's rise in indirect revenue, primarily driven by the popularity of BTS-related merchandise, reflects the ongoing launch of diverse content that fans can enjoy, extending beyond mere fan club services. This trend is likely to contribute positively to the sustainable development of the K-Pop industry, with HYBE poised to remain at the forefront of these changes.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: HYBE
