K-pop boy band EXO is scheduled to release “REVERXE” on Jan. 19 as a six-member group. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Some of the biggest names of K-pop are planning full-group returns in 2026, creating a rare overlap of top-tier acts from different generations that is already generating buzz.
Full-group comebacks by established acts are typically staggered to avoid overlap, making the timing especially notable for longtime followers of the genre. Members across these groups have spent recent years focused on solo projects, and their reunions are expected to drive renewed fan interest and commercial activity.
BIGBANG
Among the first confirmed is second-generation boy band BIGBANG, which will perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April. The appearance will feature members G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung, and marks their first major group activity since releasing the single “Still Life” in 2022, after sharing the stage at G-Dragon’s solo concerts and other informal occasions.
BIGBANG debuted in 2006 under YG Entertainment and became one of K-pop’s most influential male acts with songs including “Lies,” “Fantastic Baby” and “BANG BANG BANG.”
G-Dragon, the group’s leader and creative force, returned to solo activities this year with his third studio album “Übermensch” and completed a 17-city world tour that drew more than 800,000 attendees. His song “HOME SWEET HOME,” featuring Taeyang and Daesung, topped Korea’s Melon chart for more than two months.
K-pop boy band BTS / Courtesy of BigHit Music
BTS
Backed by a massive global fandom, K-pop juggernaut BTS is also preparing a full-group return after all seven members completed mandatory military service this year. The group plans to release a new album in spring 2026, its first full-group release since the 2022 anthology album “Proof.”
During the hiatus, members remained active as solo artists. Jin’s “#RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR” ranked seventh and j-hope’s Hope on the Stage Tour ranked fourth on Billboard’s list of Top 10 Highest-Grossing K-pop Tours of the Year, underscoring the group’s individual appeal.
Signs of sustained fan demand have already surfaced, with “Anpanman,” a track from the group’s 2018 album “LOVE YOURSELF ‘Tear,'” surged back to No. 1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart in December.
Following the album’s release, a large-scale world tour is widely anticipated, expected to reunite ARMYs around the globe.
From left are K-pop girl group BLACKPINK members Rosé, Lisa, Jisoo and Jennie. Captured from BLACKPINK’s Instagram
BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK is likewise gearing up for a full-group comeback next year, after plans for a winter release were shifted to early 2026. The group has not released a studio album since “Born Pink” in 2022. In July, BLACKPINK launched its “DEADLINE” world tour and became the first K-pop girl group to headline a solo concert at London’s Wembley Stadium.
The four group members have also continued to build strong individual profiles in the global music market. Rosé earned three Grammy Award nominations, including Song of the Year, with her 2024 hit “APT.” with U.S. musician Bruno Mars, while Jennie’s full-length solo debut album, “Ruby,” was named one of Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of 2025. Lisa won Best K-Pop at the MTV Video Music Awards for “Born Again,” while Jisoo also entered Billboard’s Hot 100 with her solo work, “EYES CLOSED.”
With each member rising to global A-list status during the group’s hiatus, BLACKPINK’s full-fledged return is expected to land with more impact than ever before.
EXO
Momentum is also building for EXO, which will release its eighth studio album “REVERXE” on Jan. 19. The album follows “EXIST” from July 2023.
The third-gen boy band appeared earlier this month at the 2025 Melon Music Awards (MMA) in Seoul, signaling a return to group activities with immense fan support.
The comeback will feature six members — Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun and Lay, while Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin will sit out due to an ongoing contractual dispute with SM Entertainment.