K-Pop Gears Up for a Monumental 2026 with Major Releases and Tours
SEOUL, South Korea — The global phenomenon of K-Pop is poised for an unprecedented surge in 2026, with some of the genre’s biggest names preparing to release new music and embark on extensive world tours. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the return of BTS, BLACKPINK, BIGBANG, and other top acts, marking a year packed with celebrations, comebacks, and fresh talent.
BLACKPINK, one of the genre’s most influential girl groups, is set to release their third mini-album, Deadline, on February 27. The album will include their 2025 hit single “Jump” alongside four new tracks. This release follows their recent Deadline world tour, which concluded in January. With the group’s 10th anniversary approaching in August, speculation is rife about encore concerts to commemorate the milestone.
BTS, arguably the most globally recognized K-Pop group, will make a highly anticipated return with their new album ARIRANG, scheduled for release on March 20. This album marks their first full group project in nearly six years and the first since all seven members completed their mandatory military service last June. The members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—spent months living and working together in Los Angeles during the latter half of 2025 to reconnect and create the album. Following the release, BTS will kick off their ARIRANG world tour in April, beginning in South Korea and continuing through Japan, North America, Europe, South America, and Asia well into 2027. Fans can also look forward to a Netflix documentary chronicling their reunion and creative process, premiering March 27, and a livestreamed OT7 performance on March 21.
BIGBANG, another legendary group, will celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2026 with new music from the trio of G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. The group is also slated to perform at Coachella in April, marking a significant moment for their fans. Meanwhile, former member T.O.P., who left the group in 2023 and gained acclaim for his role in Netflix’s Squid Game, is preparing to debut as a solo artist this year.
EXO made their comeback earlier this year with their eighth studio album Reverxe, featuring six members. The group will embark on their Exo Planet #6 EXhOrizon tour starting in Seoul in April, with stops across Asia including Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Meanwhile, SHINee is expected to return with new group material, their first since 2023, while members Onew and Taemin pursue solo projects, including Taemin’s upcoming Coachella performance.
Other notable acts include Twice, who continue their extensive world tour into mid-2026; Mamamoo, celebrating their 12th anniversary with a new album and tour; and ITZY’s Yuna, who will make her solo singing debut in March. The industry is also seeing fresh talent emerge through collaborative projects such as the new global girl group formed by Hybe and Geffen, which is being assembled via competition shows.
Adding to K-Pop’s cultural impact, the Netflix animated series Demon Hunters has garnered critical acclaim, winning two Golden Globes and a Grammy, and earning two Academy Award nominations. The show’s real-life vocalists will perform at the Oscars this March, further highlighting K-Pop’s expanding influence in entertainment.
With so many high-profile releases and tours on the horizon, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for K-Pop, solidifying its status as a dominant force in global music. Fans can stay updated on official announcements through platforms such as the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and major entertainment companies’ websites.
For more information on upcoming tours and releases, visit the K-Pop Herald and Billboard’s K-Pop section, which provide comprehensive coverage of the genre’s latest developments.
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