Billboard.com
HYBE has posted its strongest first quarter on record, driven largely by the long-awaited return of BTS. The South Korean entertainment giant reported revenue of 698.3 billion KRW ($470.2 million), marking a new high for the company’s Q1 performance and underscoring the group’s large impact on the global music economy.
At the center of the surge is BTS’s fifth studio album, “ARIRANG,” which debuted atop the Billboard 200 and held the position for three consecutive weeks. The project delivered one of the biggest sales weeks for a group in over a decade, while its lead single “SWIM” entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 1, adding yet another chart-topping milestone to the group’s résumé.
The ripple effects were immediate across HYBE’s business lines. Revenue tied directly to artist activities, including music sales, touring and advertising, rose 25% year-over-year, accounting for more than half of the company’s total intake.
Recorded music revenue nearly doubled, while indirect streams such as merchandise, licensing and fan engagement jumped 66%, fueled in part by strong demand for tour-related products.
That touring cycle is only just beginning. BTS launched their ARIRANG world tour in April with a kickoff show at Goyang Stadium, setting the stage for an ambitious global run expected to span dozens of stadium dates.
Despite the revenue highs, HYBE reported an operating loss for the quarter. The downturn, however, was largely attributed to a one-time, non-cash expense tied to share-based bonuses issued by chairman Bang Si-hyuk.
Elsewhere, HYBE’s ecosystem continues to expand. Its fan platform Weverse reached a record 13.37 million monthly users, while other acts on the roster, including ENHYPHEN and emerging groups under HYBE America, contributed to overall growth.
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