HYBE's Q1 2026 earnings hit a record 698.3 billion won, driven by strong album sales and BTS's success, marking a 40% increase YoY.
April/30/2026 18:51
HYBE announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 on April 29 (Wednesday). During the entertainment industry's off-peak season from January to March, HYBE recorded consolidated sales of 698.3 billion won (approximately 75 billion yen) for the first quarter, achieving the 'highest ever' performance for a first quarter. This represents a significant increase of 40% compared to the previous year's same period (500.6 billion won (approximately 53.6 billion yen)), which was the previous highest for the first quarter. Direct participation sales, including music albums, music sources, performances, and advertising, recorded 403.7 billion won (approximately 44 billion yen), a 25% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, sales in the music album and source sector reached 271.5 billion won (approximately 29.1 billion yen), a 99% increase compared to the same period last year. This high level is comparable to the fourth quarter of 2023, which set numerous new records, including SEVENTEEN's 11th mini-album 'SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN' achieving the highest initial sales in K-POP history and BTS's Jungkook's solo album 'GOLDEN' achieving the highest initial sales for a solo artist. The growth was significantly driven by BTS's 5th full album 'ARIRANG', which recorded sales of 3.98 million copies on its first day. According to the U.S. global music data analysis company Luminate, 'ARIRANG' also sold 208,000 LPs in a week, setting the record for the highest weekly sales for a group since the start of counting in 1991. Additionally, it achieved a historic record of three consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard 200, the main album chart in the U.S., becoming the first Korean artist to do so. The title track 'SWIM' topped the Billboard Hot 100, and all 13 tracks from the album charted, marking a historic achievement. Next-generation artists are also performing strongly. ENHYPEN achieved its fourth double million seller with the 7th mini-album 'THE SIN: VANISH'. KATSEYE surpassed 32 million monthly listeners on Spotify, recording an overwhelming scale as a global girl group. Including the 2nd EP 'BEAUTIFUL CHAOS' released in June 2025, total CD sales reached 1 million copies. Furthermore, CORTIS's 1st EP 'COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES' set the record for the highest sales for a debut album by a K-POP group, recording total sales of 2 million copies as of February this year. Indirect participation sales from MD (merchandise), licensing, content, and fan clubs reached 294.7 billion won (approximately 32 billion yen), a 66% increase compared to the same period last year. By sector, sales in the MD and licensing and fan club sectors grew by 29% and 69%, respectively, compared to the previous year. The MD and licensing sector benefited from strong sales of tour-related merchandise, including BTS's official light stick, and character products themed around HYBE MUSIC GROUP artists. Additionally, fan club sales surged, supported by pre-order demand for BTS's world tour performances. The Global Superfan Platform 'Weverse', which achieved annual profitability last year, also recorded the highest level of active indicators and revenue growth since its launch in the first quarter of this year. The monthly active user count (MAU) for the first quarter reached 13.37 million, a 20% increase from the previous quarter, setting a new record. The adjusted operating profit reflecting HYBE's substantial business results for the first quarter was 58.5 billion won (approximately 6.3 billion yen), with an adjusted operating profit margin of 8.4%. Due to the accounting treatment of 255 billion won (approximately 27.3 billion yen) gifted by the major shareholder as a source for employee performance bonuses (performance bonuses), the accounting operating profit recorded a loss. This expense, while not involving cash outflow (non-cash expense), is recognized as a one-time expense under accounting standards. From the second quarter onwards, many artists belonging to HYBE MUSIC GROUP, including TOMORROW X TOGETHER, &TEAM, LE SSERAFIM, TWS, ILLIT, and CORTIS, will begin full-scale activities with album releases. Furthermore, sales and profits are expected to grow further as the results related to BTS's world tour are reflected.
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