With highly anticipated returns from major K-pop acts such as BTS, BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, and EXO, 2026 promises an abundance of thrilling K-pop releases.
Forbes2026 Q3 Release Calendar Of New KPop Albums, Singles And ComebacksBy Jeff Benjamin
This year will officially see BTS’s comeback, as their agency HYBE confirmed back in 2025 that the group would return musically in March.
Also making a comeback after an extended hiatus is BTS’s longtime boy band rivals, EXO. Both groups dominated the charts from the start of their careers and continue to do so, whether as full groups or through individual member projects. Previously, EXO member KAI hinted that a reunion and tour were being planned, with SM Entertainment later confirming the group’s full-length album for January.
Meanwhile, during G-Dragon’s 2025 Ubermench World Tour, the artist confirmed that his long-standing group BIGBANG would celebrate their 20th anniversary together. BIGBANG debuted on August 28, 2006, with the EP Big Bang, followed by various singles and one full album released throughout the year, with each of the then-five members recording solo tracks for the different projects. Over their two decades, member Seungri retired from the entertainment industry in March 2019, and T.O.P announced his departure from the group in May 2023.
After releasing only one single, “JUMP,” in 2025, BLACKPINK is slated to return with a new EP featuring fresh songs.
Additionally, Korean companies including HYBE, Modhaus, SM, YG, Yuehua, A2O, and FCENM Entertainment have all revealed plans to debut new boy bands, alongside the many emerging artists poised to make their mark on the K-pop scene soon.
