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Despite years away from group activities due to mandatory military service, BTS's chart presence and global fanbase remained surprisingly resilient — here's what the numbers actually show about K-pop's biggest act during their hiatus.
May 2026 delivered one of the year's busiest K-pop calendars, packed with high-profile comebacks, exciting new debuts, and notable solo releases that kept fans and charts buzzing around the world.
June has become one of K-pop's most competitive comeback windows, with a packed lineup of idol groups, solo artists, and fresh debuts all vying for chart dominance heading into summer 2025.
THE BOYZ's Kevin has launched a charity cookie project in collaboration with pet rescue organization PETERNIA, donating all proceeds to stray animal protection ahead of his upcoming return to Shanghai with the group.
LE SSERAFIM has been confirmed as the closing act for BlizzCon 2026 in Anaheim, California, marking their return to the gaming festival three years after becoming the first K-pop artists ever to perform there.
BTS's Jungkook has made history by becoming the first solo artist ever to surpass 400 billion views on a single platform, a milestone that cements his status as one of the most-watched solo acts in the world.
The 5th BTS Global Interdisciplinary Conference arrives in Jeonju this July, bringing together 50 researchers from 10 countries to explore how BTS and ARMY have reshaped culture, technology, and global identity — with a Netflix director, climate activists, and traditional Korean folk singers all part of the conversation.
BTS extended their Global K-pop Chart winning streak to 13 consecutive weeks with "SWIM," while I.O.I's reunion track "Gapjagi" swept five digital categories and RIIZE moved nearly a million album copies in Circle Chart Week 25.
From sold-out stadium world tours to historic Billboard Hot 100 number-ones and billion-view YouTube records, BTS has built a legacy defined by milestones that continue to reshape the global music industry.
Senior girl group members including ITZY's Yuna and (G)I-DLE's Miyeon are landing prominent leading roles in Korean film and drama, signaling a broader industry shift in how long-tenured idol talent is being cast.
K-pop girl group CLASSy is returning on June 23 with their new mini album RE:BOOT 'After Tears,' featuring nine tracks, an all-star producer lineup, and extensive member songwriting contributions — their first comeback in one year and seven months.
A growing number of K-pop idols are retiring in their 20s, with former group members speaking openly about financial instability, mental health struggles, and the harsh economic realities hidden behind the industry's glamorous image.