The CEO of HYBE Corporation provided an update on BTS's highly anticipated full-group comeback during the company's annual shareholders' meeting in Seoul on Monday.
Lee Jae-sang, the CEO, confirmed that all seven members of BTS are expected to complete their mandatory military duties by June 2025. He highlighted that while the company is actively working with top-tier producers to prepare for BTS's comeback, the members themselves need time to carefully consider their next steps.
"The company is also discussing with top-tier composers and making preparations, but the artists (BTS members) need to think carefully and prepare," Lee said.
"Usually, we work on a song, release an album, and then go on a tour, but since BTS has already risen to become top global artists, we are continuing to discuss their vision and 'next,' so we need to think about the direction and align accordingly," he added.
The absence of BTS has significantly impacted HYBE's financial performance. Once responsible for approximately 95% of the company's revenue, BTS's contribution dropped to below 20% in 2024 due to a lack of group activities during their enlistment. Despite record-high revenues of 2.25 trillion won in 2024, HYBE reported a 38% decline in operating profit, attributed to the hiatus of its flagship act and increased spending on new artist debuts and overseas expansion.
Lee reassured shareholders that BTS's return will likely boost the company's profitability. Analysts are projecting a 54% increase in HYBE's profit once the group makes a comeback and goes on a world tour.
Currently, five BTS members are still serving in the military, with their discharge dates scheduled for June 2025. RM and V will complete their service on June 10, followed by Jimin and Jungkook on June 11. Suga, who is serving as a social service worker due to a shoulder injury, is set to finish his duties on June 21. Meanwhile, Jin and J-Hope have already completed their military service; Jin was discharged in June 2024, and J-Hope followed in October 2024.
