2026 is set to be an important year in K-pop history as many groups are returning after being on hiatus for years. BTS, BLACKPINK, EXO, MAMAMOO, and BIGBANG will return to the music scene with full force next year. K-pop acts that disbanded or have been mostly inactive will also make a splash in 2026. For instance, Apink, I.O.I, NCT U, Jun Hyo Seong, and more.
The following groups have had their plans officially announced by their agencies or members.
BTS
In 2026, the global music world will see the long-awaited full return of BTS. After beginning their mandatory military service in late 2022, all seven members will finally reunite, release a new group album and launch an extensive world tour.
The album is scheduled for release in the spring of 2026 many industry reports pointing specifically to late March. This comeback will be the group’s first collective release since Proof in 2022 and their first studio album since Be in 2020.
The members have emphasized that the creative process has been a chance to reconnect with their roots. Last month, Jimin revealed that recording for the album had already been completed.
Alongside the album, BTS is preparing for a massive world tour—their first full touring cycle since the Permission to Dance on Stage concerts of 2021–2022. Although official details have yet to be finalized, multiple reports suggest the tour could become their biggest ever. It will potentially span around 65 shows worldwide. Over 30 of those dates are reportedly targeted for North America.
The group first shared news of their spring 2026 comeback on July 1, 2025, during a special Weverse live broadcast featuring all seven members—RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. It was their first appearance together since September 2022, and the broadcast attracted over 7.3 million real-time viewers.
As per layer reports, the comeback is scheduled for March 2026, followed by a world tour in April or May.
BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK is officially coming back in January 2026, which will be the group’s first full album in nearly four years. YG Entertainment shared that the project is now in its “final stages of completion,” and that a full promotional announcement will follow soon. This release ties directly into BLACKPINK’s 10th-anniversary celebrations.
BLACKPINK’s last studio album, Born Pink, dropped back in September 2022, and although album details are still under wraps, the group has already started to tease what’s coming. They released a pre-comeback single called “JUMP” in July, and filming for the main comeback music video reportedly began in October.
Their return also comes after a stretch where all four members—Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa—were focused on individual projects. Many fans think this time apart has helped each member grow creatively.
The January comeback also lines up with the final leg of BLACKPINK’s huge “DEADLINE” world tour, their first tour made up entirely of stadium shows. The tour will wrap up in Asia, starting with three nights at the Tokyo Dome from January 16–18, followed by three concerts at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong from January 24–26.
Because the comeback and tour ending overlap, it is very possible that the group will perform some of their new songs live during these concluding shows.
Jisoo
While all BLACKPINK members are working on solo comebacks, Jisoo has been more vocal about her 2026 album. In a recent interview with Elle Korea, the 30-year-old idol confirmed plans for her next solo album in 2026.“Since I am preparing for my next solo album, as well as BLACKPINK’s new album to be released early next year, I feel like I am living solely within music,” she told the magazine.
Jisoo will enter this new chapter with the backing of a major international label. In early 2025, she signed a global solo deal with Warner Records, joining her BLACKPINK bandmates who have also secured partnerships with prominent US labels for their solo endeavors.
This move followed her departure from YG Entertainment for solo activities in late 2023, after the group renewed its contract exclusively for collective work. Her first release under the Warner deal was the EP Amortage in February.
More recently, Jisoo released a duet with former One Direction member, Zayn Malik, titled, EYES CLOSED. She earned her first Billboard HOT 100 entry with the song, and her upcoming album will feature more collaborations with international artists.
BIGBANG
BIGBANG is approaching its 20th anniversary in 2026, and many expect the group to return with new activities. YG Entertainment has not confirmed any plans yet, but several industry reports say discussions are underway. These reports mention possible new music and major performances.
The BIGBANG leader G-Dragon himself hinted at exciting plans for 2026, even during his recent appearance at the MAMA Awards.
Along with KATSEYE and Taemin from SHINee, BIGBANG is slated to perform at Coachella 2026 in April. Therefore, they will release new music ahead of their Coachella debut. There are also reports of reunion concerts in Hong Kong planned for March 2026 to align with their debut anniversary.
Any 2026 activities would involve G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. Former members T.O.P and Seungri are no longer part of the group due to various controversies.
EXO
EXO will also join the 2026 comeback lineup. This will be their first full-group activity since all members completed their military service, and their first major release since their 2023 album Exist. The six-member lineup will return with their eighth full-length studio album, REVERXE, which is scheduled to drop on January 19, 2026. At the time of writing, the only confirmed track is I’m Home.
The album will be promoted by six members—Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay. Lay’s participation is especially notable. He has been focused on solo work in China for the past few years, and this will be his first official comeback with the group in four years.
The excitement will begin building during the “EXO’verse” fan meeting this month at Inspire Arena in Incheon. However, Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin (CBX) did not take part due to their ongoing legal dispute with SM Entertainment.
They are also not currently included in the comeback plans. SM Entertainment has also confirmed that Chanyeol is preparing a solo comeback in the first half of 2026.
While SM has not released any official details about a 2026 world tour, the company has already announced large-scale concerts and tours for several artists next year. Industry sources say EXO may launch a global tour, possibly starting in Seoul before heading to major cities in Asia, Europe, and North America.
MAMAMOO
MAMAMOO is making a full-group comeback in 2026, their first release together in almost four years. RBW Entertainment confirmed in late October that all four members—Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa—are preparing for a June 2026 comeback.
The timing lines up with the group’s 12th anniversary since debuting in 2014. After the new album drops, MAMAMOO is also planning a world tour, starting with shows in South Korea.
Fans have been waiting a long time for this. The group’s last release was the EP “MIC ON” in October 2022. Since then, each member has been focused on solo work. Hwasa and Wheein even moved to different agencies for their individual promotions. Still, all four have repeatedly said that the group isn’t going anywhere, and RBW will oversee both the comeback and the upcoming tour.
Apink
Apink is preparing for a long-awaited comeback in January 2026 to celebrate the group’s 15th anniversary since their debut in 2011.
All five current members—Chorong, Bomi, Eunji, Namjoo, and Hayoung—will participate in the comeback. It follows their 14th-anniversary single “Tap Clap” released in April, as well as their “PINK NEW YEAR” concerts in Asia. Apink has continued to stay active with yearly releases and special concerts.
Earlier this month, the group dropped the trailer for their 11th mini-album, Re : Love, out on January 5, 2026. The EP includes the title track Love Me More as well as b-side songs Fizzy Soda, Birthday Cake, and more.
The members have openly shared their enthusiasm for continuing group activities. In a recent interview, Namjoo said Apink is “still writing a new history” and remains “thirsty for new albums and music.” Hayoung said she wants to “continue singing as Apink for a long time.”
NCT U
NCT U, the rotational unit of NCT, is preparing to make a comeback in early 2026. SM Entertainment has confirmed that the group is part of its first-quarter lineup for the year. The return will come in the form of a mini-album.
This release will continue NCT U’s unique system, where the members change depending on the concept and sound of each project.
NCT U has produced some of NCT’s most well-known songs over the years, including their debut track “The 7th Sense” and later releases like “BOSS” and “Baggy Jeans.” Fans are now waiting to see which members will participate this time and what style the new mini-album will focus on.
The comeback is set to happen during a busy period for the NCT brand as a whole. In early 2026, NCT DREAM will continue their “THE DREAM SHOW 4” tour in Japan, while NCT WISH is scheduled to hold their “INTO THE WISH” concerts there as well. Ten is also listed in SM Entertainment’s plans for the first quarter.
Irene of Red Velvet
Irene’s first solo comeback is now set for the first quarter of 2026. SM Entertainment confirmed the plan as part of its early-year lineup, which includes top label acts such as EXO and NCT U.
Earlier this year, Irene teamed up with fellow Red Velvet member Seulgi for the long-awaited comeback of their sub-unit Irene & Seulgi, who released a new mini album TILT on May 26. The duo embarked on an Asia tour that started with sold-out shows in Seoul and continued across major cities.
The 34-year-old idol made her solo debut with the mini-album Like A Flower on November 26, 2024. The album sold 336,805 copies in its debut week and topped the iTunes chart in 21 countries.
She has remained busy throughout 2025, with fashion projects, award show hosting, and overseas schedules.
I.O.I
The year 2026 is exciting for K-pop fans, as I.O.I is preparing a long-awaited reunion to celebrate the group’s 10th anniversary. Formed through the first season of Produce 101, the group is planning a full-group comeback, their first joint activities since disbanding in January 2017.
The project is currently being discussed for May 2026 to match the timing of I.O.I’s original debut. Planning is taking place through close cooperation between the agencies of each member. The I.O.I members have shown strong interest in reuniting for fans.
However, organizing schedules has been challenging due to the involvement of eleven artists now signed to different companies. Multiple meetings between agency representatives have already taken place to coordinate timing and overall management.
Recent updates confirm that the comeback is moving forward, though it will not include every original member. Most members are adjusting their schedules to participate, and Zhou Jieqiong, who has been active mainly in China. She has reportedly agreed to join the anniversary activities.
Kang Mina, however, will not be able to take part due to overlapping filming and promotion schedules for her acting projects.
Despite promoting for less than a year after their debut in May 2016, I.O.I left a lasting legacy with songs like “Very Very Very” and “Downpour.”
Ten of NCT/WayV
Ten is building a career as a solo artist alongside his activities as a WayV member. As announced by SM, he will release his third mini-album in Q1 of 2026. The 29-year-old Thai idol made his solo debut with a self-titled EP in February 2024, followed by his second mini-album Stunner in March this year.
In addition, Ten will make his Japanese debut with the mini-album Humanity in May. He successfully completed his first solo Japan tour, “1001 TIME WARP,” which ran from May to July and showcased his full range as a performer.
At the same time, Ten is expected to remain active within the wider NCT framework. NCT U is confirmed to return with a mini-album in the first quarter of 2026, and given Ten’s history with the unit, his participation is highly likely.
SEVENTEEN’s DK x Seungkwan
SEVENTEEN’s beloved vocalists DK and Seungkwan will debut as a new unit called DxS (SEVENTEEN). Their first mini-album, titled Serenade, will be released on January 12, 2026, and is expected to perfectly match the quiet mood of winter.
The unit debut was announced through a cinematic trailer called An Ordinary Love, released on HYBE LABELS’ official YouTube channel. Rather than acting as a simple teaser, the video plays out like a short film. It follows two separate but emotionally connected stories. DK is shown hesitating over an unanswered phone call. Seungkwan appears as a comic book café clerk who is suddenly overwhelmed by memories after noticing a familiar book titled Blue.
Promotions for the album are already in motion. Concept photos will be released on December 22 and 23, 2025, with more teasers, track details, and samplers scheduled to follow. A cinematic music video will be released alongside the album on January 12, with an epilogue version arriving on January 19 to continue the story.
Others
Other K-pop acts will make comebacks early next year. These artists include ENHYPEN, i-dle (formerly (G)I-DLE), Jun Hyo Seong. ENHYPEN has already announced their 7th mini-album, The Sin : Vanish, out on January 16, 2026. In addition, VIXX will reunite early next year, their first full-group reunion in a long time.
