According to the кσяєα Tourism Organization (KTO), the number of foreign visitors to South кσяєα in March reached 2,046,000, marking a 26.7% increase year-on-year. This figure is also 30% higher than the same month in 2019, before the pandemic. By country, ¢нιиα ranked first with 500,000 visitors, followed by נαραи, Taiwan, and the United States.
Experts analyzed that this strong growth was driven by a large influx of global fans traveling to кσяєα in time for the concerts marking BTS’s return!
Meanwhile, Hana Card estimated that 30,000 foreign tourists attended just the three BTS concerts in Goyang in early April, generating domestic spending of up to 55.5 billion won across sectors such as aviation, accommodation, dining, and shopping. Card transactions in commercial areas near the venue surged by over 800% compared to the previous week, while total spending increased by 231%.
These figures represent only part of the picture but already highlight BTS’s role as an “economic driver.” Naturally, their agency HYBE has also been a major beneficiary of this economic impact, as reflected in its newly released Q1 2026 earnings report!
According to a report published by Chosun Biz on April 29, 2026, the company recorded consolidated revenue of 698.3 billion KRW (approximately $470 million) from January to March.This represents an increase of about 40% compared to 500.6 billion won in the same period last year, marking the highest-ever first-quarter performance as of 2026, despite the first quarter typically being considered the off-season for the music industry.
Chosun Biz noted that this record-breaking Q1 performance was primarily fueled by artist-driven activities, including music releases, concerts, and advertising—especially largely driven by the full return of HYBE’s core IP, BTS, who released their fifth full-length album ARIRANG in mid-March.
Arirang sold 1 million copies within about 10 minutes of release and 3.98 million on the first day alone, marking the highest first-day sales of any album released in 2026. According to Luminate, the album also sold 208,000 units in one week, setting a new record for group album sales since tracking began in 1991. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and held the top position for three consecutive weeks, marking the first time a кσяєαn group has achieved this. The title track “SWIM” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming BTS’s seventh chart-topping song, while all 13 tracks from the album simultaneously entered the chart.
BTS also launched their ARIRANG world tour on April 9 at Goyang Stadium in South кσяєα. The tour is expected to include 85 stadium shows, with the initial performances drawing mαѕѕive global au∂ιєnces. According to Chosun Biz, strong demand for tour-related merchandise and advance ticket sales for fan club members significantly contributed to HYBE’s Q1 revenue growth.
Revenue from indirect artist participation, including merchandise, licensing, content, and fan club membership fees, increased 66% year-on-year to 294.7 billion KRW. Merchandise and licensing revenue rose 29%, while fan club-related revenue surged 69% during BTS’s comeback and tour cycle.
These statistics quickly spread across online fan communities. Netizens expressed amazement at the mαѕѕive impact BTS has generated at a time when K-pop is perceived to be stagnating. Meanwhile, ARMYs voiced pride in BTS’s influence and their contribution to HYBE’s growth, pointing out that the company’s global success is closely tied to the group. Fans commented:
- HYBE is BTS. There’s no HYBE without them always remember that
- That building is still standing strong and thriving globally because BTS built it, so we aren’t surprised
- Of course they did, as they said, ‘came back for what’s theirs’
- Yeah we know why their revenue are higher than ever again but they’re still ungrateful about the only seven peoples from where they’re getting all their precious money… I said what I said argue with the wall. And VOTE FOR BTS ON AMAS!!!!!
- The way BTS contributed hybe's Q1 revenue which likely around 40% and surpαѕѕed Q1 2025 meanwhile kmedia, empireX and bunch of kpoppies accs hightlighting the operating loss which is understandable cuz one of the reasons bsh giving employees big bonuses
- I love how whenever kpopers invent a lie to throw hate at BTS, the truth shows up in the same instant
- And THIS is why when some nobody on twt tells you the album flopped, you DON'T argue because it shouldn't matter. Facts on Arirang's success won't suddenly change because of a few haters' unwarranted opinions
- kpoppies, get this into your heads “highest-ever first-quarter results despite the industry’s typical off-season.”
