BTS helps power HYBE to highest-ever Q1 revenue
The K-pop titans helped elevate the Korean entertainment giant to over €400m in revenue through their new record, merch, and live shows
News By Hanna Ellington | 29 April 2026
K-pop powerhouse HYBE has posted its highest-ever Q1 revenue of KRW 698.3 billion (€403.6m), powered largely by BTS’s return to the scene. Revenue from artist-driven activities – recorded music, concerts, and ads – accounted for 58% of the total quarterly revenue, totalling KRW 403.7 billion (€232.7m).
It reflects a 25% YOY jump.
Within that, recorded music revenue nearly doubled to KRW 271.5 billion (€156.5m), primarily driven by BTS’ fifth studio album, ARIRANG. That number makes up 67% of the revenue from artist-driven activities.
BTS recently launched their…