Reuniting the Legends: Big Bang, BTS, EXO, and BLACKPINK Set to Return in 2026

The year 2026 is being hailed as a rare and historic milestone in K-pop history, marked by the long-awaited reunions of industry-defining groups such as Big Bang, BTS, EXO, and BLACKPINK. Rather than isolated comebacks, these returns represent a convergence of true legends artists who shaped K-pop’s global rise and cultural identity.

After a relatively quiet 2025 dominated by fourth- and fifth-generation acts and the absence of many major names, 2026 promises a dramatic revival. It is especially noteworthy because veteran group comebacks are typically staggered to avoid overlap; seeing multiple top-tier acts return within a similar timeframe is almost unprecedented and deeply meaningful for long-time fans.

BTS

Although all BTS members have completed their military service, 2025 passed without official group promotions, aside from casual livestreams with fans. This period, however, has been used to prepare for a full-group comeback scheduled for spring 2026.

According to Korean media, BTS will release a new album followed by an eight-month global tour running from May to December. The tour is expected to include 65 shows worldwide and draw an estimated audience of four million cementing their continued dominance on the global stage.

Even during their group hiatus, BTS’s influence has remained undeniable. Jin’s Run Seokjin Ep Tour ranked seventh, while J-Hope’s Hope on the Stage Tour placed fourth on Billboard’s Top 10 Highest-Grossing K-pop Tours of the Year. In addition, the 2018 track Anpanman unexpectedly returned to No.1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart in December, proving that BTS’s impact remains as powerful as ever.

BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK is also preparing for a full-group comeback after postponing an initially planned winter release to early 2026. The group has not released a full studio album since Born Pink in 2022, making anticipation especially intense.

According to The Korea Times, BLACKPINK’s reunion carries a unique advantage: all four members are currently at the peak of their solo careers. This transforms the comeback into more than just a group release it becomes the convergence of four globally influential artists.

Their performance at Wembley Stadium in London demonstrated that BLACKPINK has transcended the label of a “K-pop girl group,” standing shoulder to shoulder with international pop acts. Rosé’s Grammy recognition, Jennie’s critical acclaim, Lisa’s major awards, and Jisoo’s Billboard success have collectively reinforced BLACKPINK’s status as a group with lasting artistic and commercial power.

EXO

EXO has also confirmed its return after a two-year hiatus. The group will release its eighth full-length album, Reverse, on January 19, following 2023’s Exist.

However, the comeback will feature only six members Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay. Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin will be absent due to ongoing legal disputes with SM Entertainment that began in 2024.

Despite this, EXO’s appearance at the 2025 Melon Music Awards on December 20 served as a strong signal of their readiness to re-enter the spotlight. While not a complete lineup, the six-member activity underscores the group’s cohesion and long-term commitment.

Big Bang

Among the first groups to officially confirm group activities is Big Bang, the iconic second-generation boy group. G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung will perform together at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April 2026. This marks Big Bang’s first major group activity since the release of Still Life in 2022.

During his Übermensch concert in Korea in March 2025, G-Dragon hinted at the reunion, stating that Big Bang would celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026 with a major “coming-of-age” moment. Coachella is expected to serve not only as their comeback stage but also as the opening signal for a series of global activities commemorating two decades of Big Bang’s legacy.