BTS tour drives HYBE to record concert revenue
South Korean entertainment company HYBE reported record quarterly revenue in the second quarter of 2026, with income from concerts surpassing recorded music as BTS returned to large-scale touring.
The company generated revenue of KRW 1.45 trillion (€875 million) during the quarter, an increase of 105.5% year-on-year and 107.6% compared with the previous quarter.
Concert revenue rose to KRW 647.7 billion, up 243.3% from the same period last year and 630% quarter-on-quarter. Revenue from activities directly involving artists, including concerts, recorded music and advertising, increased by 132.2% year-on-year to a record KRW 1.04 trillion.
The results coincided with the launch of BTS’ Arirang World Tour in April. The tour has become a major contributor to the group’s commercial activity following its return to the international live circuit.
HYBE recorded an operating profit of KRW 170.9 billion, up 159.3% year-on-year, representing an operating margin of 11.8%. The result marked a return to profit after the company reported an operating loss of KRW 196.6 billion in the first quarter.
BTS topped Billboard’s monthly touring chart in May, grossing $127.8 million from 641,000 tickets sold across 12 concerts held between May 2 and 28.
It was BTS’ second consecutive month at number one on the touring chart and the fourth time the group has held the top position since May 2019.
The group also co-headlined the FIFA World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before returning to the venue to resume its world tour on August 1.
The tour is scheduled to continue until March 16, 2027, with dates across North and South America, Asia and Australia, including shows in Canada, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong and the Philippines.