[Breaking News] BTS Effect Fully Realized.. HYBE Records First-Ever Quarterly Revenue of 1 Trillion Won

*This content was translated by AI.

HYBE has achieved its largest-ever quarterly performance. This result stems from the comprehensive activities of HYBE Music Group artists, driving both quantitative and qualitative growth simultaneously.

On the 28th, HYBE announced that it recorded revenue of 1.45 trillion won and an operating profit of 170.9 billion won in the second quarter of 2026. Both revenue and operating profit represent all-time quarterly highs for HYBE. This marks the first time HYBE's quarterly revenue has exceeded 1 trillion won, and its quarterly operating profit has also surpassed 1 million won for the first time. Additionally, this is the first time in company history that semi-annual revenue has crossed the 2nd trillion won mark.

Detailed performance figures across major business segments also set all-time records. Notably, thanks to artists' comebacks and the launch of world tours, direct participation-type revenue showed strong growth. The performance sector, which falls under direct participation-type revenue, recorded 647.7 billion won, while the album sales sector reached 326.8 billion won. Among indirect participation-type revenues, the MD and licensing sectors also saw a synergistic rise alongside performances, achieving an all-time high of 310.6 billion won.

Alongside quantitative growth, HYBE also solidified its fundamentals. Despite achieving more than double-digit revenue growth compared to the same period last year, it successfully maintained a two-digit operating profit margin (11.8%).

BTS, which launched its world tour in April, played a leading role in driving second-quarter results. According to Luminate, a global music data analytics firm, BTS's comeback album 'ARIRANG' topped vinyl and CD album sales in the United States, leading a revival across the physical album market. 'ARIRANG' also contributed to South Korea securing the third position globally as a music export nation, behind only the U.S. and the U.K.

BTS's world tour has generated massive economic effects in every region where concerts were held, even creating the new term "BTS-nomics." On the 20th (Korean time), BTS made history by appearing in the first-ever World Cup final halftime show, showcasing their influence and status as global icons.

Activities of other artists under HYBE Music Group were also diverse.

In the first half of this year, all HYBE Music Group artists released new albums and resumed activities, standing out in the global music market. Among the top 10 best-selling CD albums in the U.S. during the first half of the year, HYBE Music Group artists accounted for half, reinforcing the power of their multi-label strategy.

Based on domestic standards (Circle Chart), seven HYBE Music Group artist groups achieved million-seller status within just the first half of this year. The HYBE Music Group artists who sold over 1 million albums in the first half of this year include BTS, Tomorrow X Together, ENHYPEN, &TEAM, Boy Next Door, TWS, and Cortis.

KATSEYE and Cortis, both praised for employing a completely different grammar from existing rookie groups, are experiencing unprecedented growth in the global music market.

KATSEYE secured a triple crown at the '2026 American Music Awards,' creating an opportunity to emerge as new icons of the global pop market, and is now expanding its musical spectrum with new singles. Cortis has proven it has built a solid global fandom through streaming markets, recording cumulative sales of over 5.25 million copies with just its mini albums 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES' and 'GREENGREEN.' Due to the consistent popularity of "merch bundles," which are sold together with merchandise, Cortis's album sales are expected to continue steadily through year-end.

The digital single 'ICONIC BY MISTAKE,' featuring LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE simultaneously, continues to maintain long-term popularity. 'ICONIC BY MISTAKE,' which has made its presence felt on Billboard and Spotify charts, achieved results that transcend regions and fandoms. The crossover influx of fans from the three groups not only expanded each group's market but also led to a phenomenon where new fandoms were drawn in based on the song's buzz.

Concert activities are also becoming more active. In the first half of this year alone, 12 HYBE Music Group artists held 119 concerts. Over 200 concerts are scheduled for the second half of the year. Last year, 10 groups held a total of 279 concerts, but this year is expected to far exceed that number.

ENHYPEN, which has been conducting its world tour since May, made history by entering the South American market for the first time and selling out stadium concerts. LE SSERAFIM, which began activities with its second full-length album, is also holding a world tour in major cities across Japan, North America, Europe, and Asia. Boy Next Door also kicked off its first-ever world tour following its July debut. KATSEYE's world tour, starting in September, has already recorded sold-out shows for all dates and plans to expand the number of concert stops. Cortis, unusually for a rookie group in its first year of debut, has launched a world tour.

As tour activities increase, sales of related merchandise are expected to grow, along with performance results in the MD and licensing sectors driven by events such as The City Project.

As artists' activities become more active, Weverse is also growing alongside them. Monthly Active Users (MAU) set a new all-time high for the second consecutive quarter, reaching 14.43 million. Total payment amounts and ARPPU (Average Revenue Per Paying User) also grew by two-digit figures of 12% and 24%, respectively, compared to the previous quarter. This created a virtuous cycle structure: artist activities → Weverse visits → extended stay time → membership subscriptions and paid content purchases.

Lee Jae-sang, CEO of HYBE, stated, "Through these results, HYBE has proven that it is a company that redefines the global entertainment market this second quarter and functions as a core export infrastructure for South Korea's cultural industry." He added, "These results are the outcome of consistent efforts toward business innovation, and we will continue to pursue expansion and growth strategies in the future."

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*This content was translated by AI.