Musicbusinessworldwide.com
HYBE delivered its strongest quarterly performance on record in the second quarter of 2026, with BTS’s return to the global stage driving a dramatic rebound in earnings and pushing the K-pop powerhouse back into profitability.
The South Korean entertainment company reported quarterly revenue of KRW 1.45 trillion (approximately $967 million), more than doubling both year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter results. The milestone marks the highest quarterly revenue in HYBE’s history.
The company’s artist-driven business, which includes recorded music, concerts and advertising, generated KRW 1.04 trillion ($693 million) in revenue. Live performances proved to be the biggest form of growth, with concert revenue climbing to KRW 647.7 billion ($432 million) following the launch of BTS’s ARIRANG World Tour in April.
Music sales also remained strong. Recorded music revenue increased 43% from the same period last year to KRW 326.8 billion ($218 million), bolstered by BTS’s fifth studio album, “ARIRANG,” which was released in March. According to HYBE, the album ranked as the best-selling vinyl and CD release in the United States during the first half of 2026.
The company reported an operating profit of KRW 170.9 billion ($114 million), reversing the operating loss recorded in the first quarter. HYBE noted that the earlier loss was largely the result of a one-time stock-based compensation expense rather than weakness in its underlying business. Net profit also rebounded sharply, reaching KRW 109.8 billion ($73 million).
Beyond BTS, HYBE’s broader artist roster continued to expand its global footprint. ENHYPEN launched a world tour that included its first stadium performances in South America, while LE SSERAFIM and BOYNEXTDOOR also began new international tours. In total, HYBE artists completed 119 concerts during the first half of the year, with more than 200 additional shows scheduled before year’s end.
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