HYBE Reports Decline in Q4 Sales, but Content Revenue Shines: BTS' ARIRANG Album and World Tour Set to Boost Performance
HYBE, the parent company of BIGHIT MUSIC, recently reported a decline in sales and operating profit for the fourth quarter of the previous year. The company's consolidated sales for Q4 were 714.6 billion won, with an operating profit of 4.6 billion won, marking a significant decrease from the previous year. Despite this decline, content-related revenue, including projects on Disney+ such as Are You Sure?! Season 2 featuring Jimin and Jungkook, showed strength, contributing to overall sales.
Fans on social media platforms expressed their satisfaction with the success of the Disney+ series and praised Jimin and Jungkook for their impact on revenue. Some fans even speculated about the possibility of a third installment of Are You Sure?! following the strong performance of the second season.
Several factors, including initial expenses related to new projects like Game Architect: Land of Exiles and higher costs associated with the launch of Santos Bravos in South America, weighed on HYBE's fourth-quarter performance. Additionally, restructuring efforts in the United States led to non-operating losses due to reassessment of HYBE America's valuation.
Looking ahead, analysts anticipate a rebound in HYBE's performance this year, driven by BTS' upcoming activities. The group is gearing up to release their fifth full-length album, ARIRANG, on March 20, 2026, followed by a world tour starting on April 9, 2026. The tour will include stops in various countries, with additional dates expected to be announced.
Merchandise sales, including official lightsticks for the BTS World Tour, are projected to increase alongside tour activities. Meanwhile, Are You Sure?! Season 2, featuring Jimin and Jungkook, continues to stream on Disney+, showcasing the duo's post-military service journey across multiple countries.