BTS to Complete Military Service Next Month... HYBE Stock on the Rise

CEO Park Jaesang Says
"Comeback Requires Careful Consideration and Preparation"

The group BTS is posing at the red carpet event ahead of the 64th Grammy Awards held in April 2022 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA. Big Hit Music

All members of the group BTS will complete their mandatory military service and return next month.

Starting with the enlistment of the eldest member Jin (real name Kim Seokjin) in December 2022, the members have consecutively served in the military. Jin and J-Hope (real name Jung Hoseok) have already been discharged, while RM (real name Kim Namjoon) and V (real name Kim Taehyung) will be discharged on June 10, Jungkook and Jimin on June 11, and Suga (real name Min Yoongi) on June 21.

Since releasing their full group album "Proof" in June 2022, BTS has paused group activities for about two years, during which the members have pursued solo projects alongside their military service. Even during their service, solo tracks by RM and Jimin, among others, have achieved success on the Billboard charts and at international award ceremonies, maintaining their influence.

Their agency HYBE has stated, "Once all members return, they will begin comeback activities and hold performances," although the exact timing has not been determined. At the regular shareholders' meeting held in March, HYBE CEO Park Jae-sang said, "BTS's comeback will require time for the members to reflect and prepare," adding, "The company is preparing in consultation with top-tier songwriters."

Although it is typical to work on songs, release an album, and then go on tour, BTS may choose a different approach. The CEO explained, "As BTS has become a global artist, we are continuing discussions about their 'vision' and 'next steps,' and will carefully consider and adjust their direction accordingly."

Following news of BTS's upcoming discharge, HYBE's stock price has also been on the rise. HYBE shares climbed from 209,500 won on April 9 to 286,500 won at the close of trading on May 23. The securities industry expects BTS's return to have a positive impact on HYBE's performance as well as on the revitalization of the K-pop market.

Meanwhile, HYBE announced last month that its provisional sales for the first quarter of this year were 500.6 billion won, with an operating profit of 21.6 billion won. Performance revenue for the first quarter reached 155.2 billion won, surpassing album and digital music sales of 136.5 billion won.