HYBE revs up global idol pipeline as BTS comeback nears

Source Facebook BTS official page — Source: Facebook (BTS official page)

SEOUL, September 26 (AJP) -HYBE, the K-pop powerhouse behind global superstar BTS, is accelerating its international expansion with region-specific idol franchises as it sets the stage for BTS’s long-awaited group comeback next year.

Latin America is the next market to host a HYBE-incubated idol group, following rollouts in Japan, the U.S., and China. The company also announced it will open a new outpost in Mumbai, India, this year — its fifth overseas base — to tap the world’s largest population and second-largest music streaming market.

“India is the fifth unit outside of Korea. Along with BTS’s full-group comeback, we see this pivotal to strengthen both our market reach and long-term growth potential,” a senior HYBE official told AJP.

India, with a population of 1.46 billion and 185 million music streaming users, presents a major opportunity. Mumbai, often dubbed the country’s cultural and entertainment hub, is home to Bollywood and a thriving arts scene, making it a strategic launchpad. HYBE India plans regional auditions, localized training systems, and support for existing artists under the label.

Beyond music, HYBE is also broadening its cultural footprint through film. HYBE America and Paramount Pictures began filming their first co-produced K-pop feature in Seoul this week. The film, slated for release in February 2027, follows a Korean American girl chasing her dream of joining a next-generation K-pop group via a televised audition. Korean American actress Yoo Ji-young, known for KPop Demon Hunters, and singer-actor Eric Nam will voice the leads, with Benson Lee directing and Eileen Shim writing the screenplay.

Despite a turbulent year marked by scandals involving founder and chairman Bang Si-hyuk and a high-profile fallout with chart-topping girl group NewJeans, HYBE shares have risen 40 percent on robust earnings. Analysts expect momentum to accelerate with BTS’s return.

“I remain optimistic about HYBE’s stock outlook for next year,” said Kim Min-young, a media analyst at Meritz Securities. “If the standout success of HYBE’s U.S.-based girl group Katseye can be replicated in new localized franchises, the results could be significant.”

Katseye will kick off its world tour later this year, while BTS’s comeback in 2026 is expected to drive strong financial results for the agency.

Kim Hee-su khs@ajupress.com