2026 is a year of heavy hitters and legends reclaiming their thrones in K-pop. And it’s an unbelievable lineup at that. BTS is finally dropping their fifth studio album. And it’s going to be a culture-shifting moment. Not to be outdone, EXO is coming through with their eighth full-length album, Reverxe. And for the Blinks? Blackpink is back “in your area” with their third studio album.
But the nostalgia doesn’t stop here. BigBang is celebrating a massive two decades in the game, and they’re doing it on one of the world’s biggest stages at Coachella. Meanwhile, if you’re into the more cinematic side of K-pop, Enhypen is pulling us into a whole new universe, exploring the dark fantasy vibes of their upcoming album, The Sin: Vanish.
If anything, it’s going to be the year when K-pop takes over our lives again. Let’s break down the comebacks you absolutely cannot miss in 2026.
BTS
The countdown to BTS’s comeback begins with their fifth studio album, arriving on March 20, 2026. The announcement was made on Weverse, accompanied by special handwritten letters from each member to their fans in the Weverse community. The 14-track record promises to be a showcase of personal growth and gratitude for fans, with all members involved in the creative process. The release comes with an extensive promotional world tour, with over 65 stops globally, potentially including India; the exact details are expected to be announced on Jan. 14, 2026. Pre-orders for the album open on Jan. 16, 2026, accompanied by teaser images and promotional schedules.
EXO
EXO-Ls and K-pop stans are hyped about EXO’s new offering, Reverxe, their eighth full-length album, following Exist in 2023, releasing on January 19, 2026. But this time around, the group includes only six members: Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay, as Chen, Baekhyun, and Xiumin won’t be participating due to contract issues with SM Entertainment. The album boasts nine tracks, including the pre-release single “I’m Home.” A world tour is likely in the works, and the fifth season of their reality show, Travel the World on a Ladder, will play a key role in promoting the album.
Blackpink
While Blackpink is on the verge of wrapping up their Deadline World Tour, the K-pop superstars are gearing up for their comeback with their third studio album set to drop in early 2026, as confirmed by YG Entertainment. It marks 10 years since the quartet’s debut in 2016 and will be their first physical release since Born Pink (2022), featuring the lead single “Jump,” which dropped in July 2025 and became one of our top K-pop songs of 2025. Reportedly, in its final stages, band member Lisa recently hinted at the new music, courtesy of an InMusic report, saying, “There’s something for you guys coming, but I won’t say anything because you know I hate spoilers.” Meanwhile, you can catch the Deadline tour’s final shows in Hong Kong (Jan. 24-25, 2026).
BigBang
The K-pop icons will be celebrating their 20th anniversary in style at Coachella on April 12 and 19, 2026, with G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung taking the stage — their first major group performance since 2022’s “Still Life.” The Coachella performance is part of their year-long celebration. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the band is also working on a new album, their first since 2016’s Made and leaving YG Entertainment.
Enhypen
Enhypen’s forbidden love saga continues with their seventh mini-album, The Sin: Vanish, launching a fresh narrative arc in the dark-fantasy universe. The album picks up where Desire: Unleash left off, with lovers forced into exile to keep their love alive amidst a vampire society’s rigid rules. The Sin: Vanish follows a vampire’s existential crisis — if he should cross the line for the one he loves — and hints at Enhypen’s signature blend of styles, rich vocals, a solid sound design, and darker textures. The EP drops on Jan. 16, 2026, at 2 PM KST (12 AM ET) digitally and physically.
