BTS, BIGBANG, EXO, and Other K-Pop Legends Set to Return This 2026
2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for K-Pop, from long-awaited reunions of the biggest names in the genre to new album releases fans have been counting down to for years.
Some of the industry’s most iconic acts are finally stepping back onto the stage, reminding everyone that time doesn’t dull star power, it only makes legends better. It’s a year that tests fans’ loyalty and love for their biases, whether that means waiting patiently through long hiatuses or showing up just as passionately as ever when their faves return.
But one thing’s for sure: K-Pop in 2026 is all about comebacks, big emotions, and proving that the hype was always worth it. Here are some of the most anticipated comebacks of the year.
Apink
Mini Album, 15th Anniversary | Comeback date: Jan. 5
The legendary girl group known for hits “Mr. Chu” and “NoNoNo” is making a warm and meaningful comeback with their mini album “RE: Love,” which marks their first full group comeback in nearly three years.
Bringing together members Chorong, Bomi, Eunji, Namjoo, and Hayoung, this comeback kicks off Apink’s 15th anniversary celebrations, led by the title track “Love Me More,” which blends the girl group’s signature emotional vocals with more mature and nostalgic themes of love. The mini album contains five tracks and has already topped charts locally and internationally, proving that after all these years, Apink’s music still resonates with listeners.
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CNBLUE
Full Album, World Tour | Comeback date: Jan. 7
South Korean pop-rock band, CNBLUE, is back with new music!
The veteran K-Pop band returns with their third full-length album, “3LOGY,” which dropped on Jan. 7, 2026. This marks the trio’s first full studio release in over a decade, following 2015’s “2gether.”
The album contains 10 tracks, all written and co-written by the members, featuring both rock anthems and melodic ballads. The album’s concept represents their intersecting timelines, giving the album a story-driven sound that reflects their past, present, and future.
To kick off the era, Yonghwa, Minhyuk, and Jungshin will be embarking on a 3LOGY World Tour, beginning with a two-day concert on Jan. 17 and 18, 2026 in the Ticketlink Live Arena in Seoul. The tour will continue until June, stopping in cities across Asia and Australia, including Macau, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Jakarta.
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ENHYPEN
Mini album | Comeback date: Jan. 16
Considered one of the most exciting comebacks kicking off 2026 is ENHYPEN’s “THE SIN: VANISH.”
Their 7th mini-album is a follow-up to “DESIRE: UNLEASH,” which was released last June. The upcoming EP is set to drop on Jan. 16, 2026, and is reported to build on the group’s dark fantasy universe and narrative-driven concepts. The new series is called “The Sin” and will explore a vampire-inspired storyline that follows two characters forced into exile to protect their love.
ENHYPEN is indeed keeping their fans fed with this album dropping only six months after their last comeback. It also arrives after a milestone year that included a massive world tour, major awards, and their first stage at Coachella. With photo teasers, concept films, and fan events planned around the release day, this era is definitely shaping up to be one of ENHYPEN’s most mesmerizing releases yet.
You can pre-order the album here.
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EXO
Full Album | Comeback date: Jan. 19
For a time in the early 2010s, EXO dominated K-Pop charts with twelve members divided into two sub-units that promoted simultaneously in South Korea and China. The K-Pop legends have performed some of the most iconic songs in the genre, including “Growl,” “Monster,” and “First Snow.”
This year, EXO returns with their 8th studio album, “REVERXE,” marking their first comeback after two years and six months. Through the years, the 12-member K-Pop boy group had seen members come and go, and this reunion, unfortunately, will only include six members: Suho, Kai, Sehun, D.O., Chanyeol, and Lay.
EXO performed at the MAMA Awards last year, where they staged some of their most beloved hits for fans and performed their newest track, “Back It Up.”
You can pre-order the album here.
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XG
Full Album, World Tour | Comeback date: Jan. 23
This global girl group based in South Korea debuted way back in 2022 and is now gearing up to release their first-ever full album on Jan. 23, 2026.
Entitled “THE CORE - 核,” the album consists of 10 tracks that will infuse different genres with pop and create a boundless musical journey for fans and new listeners.
According to XG’s official website, “The album stands as a declaration of X-POP, a new genre crafted by XG themselves. Guided by the belief that 'good music holds value on its own,' the album expressed a timeless journey that transcended boundaries of time, space, and culture. This release represented the most candid reflection of who XG were at that moment and marked a powerful starting point for the infinite possibilities that lay ahead.”
Ahead of the album release, they dropped the pre-single “GALA” last September, giving ALPHAZ a taste of the electrifying sound and visuals the new album will bring. The comeback also syncs with their second world tour, “XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE,” which kicks off in February in Japan and will expand across other parts of Asia, North America, Europe, Australia, and Latin America.
You can order the album here.
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ZEROBASEONE
Mini Album | Comeback date: Feb. 2
While other comebacks have us excited for reunions and more projects to come, ZEROSE are preparing for one last hurrah as ZEROBASEONE delivers a bittersweet conclusion to their group activities with the release of their final special limited album, “RE-FLOW” on Feb. 2, 2026.
The album comes five months after their first full-length album, “Never Say Never,” with a concept reflecting their emotions, memories, and growth they’ve experienced since debuting.
Their pre-release digital single, “Running to the Future,” gives a message of moving forward, making fans hopeful that the group will continue negotiations with their label to extend their contracts, giving them time for a final musical send-off and encore world tour dates.
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BTS
Full Album, World Tour | Comeback date: Mar. 20
Arguably the most anticipated comeback of the year, BTS has made good on their promise that the best is yet to come as they put an end to their hiatus of nearly four years!
ARMY’s rejoice! The global K-Pop sensation is officially coming back with a full-length album on Mar. 20, 2026, which will be followed by a massive world tour. The news was confirmed by BIGHIT MUSIC via Weverse, which came with an album logo teaser. The yet-to-be-named album can be pre-ordered from Jan. 16, 11 AM KST, while the tour schedule will be announced on Jan. 14.
Consisting of 14 tracks, ARMYs are set to have an amazing year with brand new music and new stages with all seven members — expected to light up like dynamite across the global music industry.
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BIGBANG
Reunion Stage, 20th Anniversary | Comeback date: Apr. 12 and 19
Although it may not be your typical album or single comeback, BIGBANG performing together on stage again is a monumental moment in K-Pop history.
The OG Kings of K-Pop are set to reunite on the Coachella main stage in April, marking their 20th anniversary since their debut. Originally a five-member group, BIGBANG is composed of G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. Seungri left the industry in 2019, while T.O.P officially left in 2023.
VIPs are in for a treat as the trio comes together to perform at the iconic desert festival for the first time in years. While details of new music have not been confirmed, fans are buzzing at the possibility of fresh material and how the group is finally making up for the Coachella appearance that was cancelled in 2020.
More than a reunion, it’s a celebration of their enduring legacy, reminding the world why BIGBANG is still called K-Pop royalty after all these years.
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