Photo Credit: Big Hit Music / Hybe
As BTS enters the final countdown before reuniting as a group fully discharged from the South Korean military, Hybe’s stock is predictably on the rise.
BTS is gearing up to make their long-awaited reunion as the remaining members finish their mandatory military service this month. RM and V completed their service with a celebration on June 10, followed by Jimin and Jungkook on June 11. Suga, the final member to complete his service, is set for discharge on June 21.
The group’s eldest member, Jin, enlisted first in December 2022, and was discharged in June 2023. J-Hope, who enlisted in March 2023, completed his service and was discharged last October. Both resumed their solo careers during BTS’ hiatus while the other members began their service in December 2023.
Adding to fans’ excitement over an upcoming reunion, the group’s record label, Hybe, lit up its headquarters with the words “WE ARE BACK” emblazoned on the side of the building. Photos of the message rapidly made the rounds on social media. “Oh, we are so back!” one fan excitedly expressed.
“When we’re all back together as a group, it’s going to have a huge impact, and everybody’s going to be watching. I’m excited to see what it’ll feel like when we perform together again,” shared J-Hope. “Even now, I’m here because of the group. Working with others is still so fun and fulfilling and makes me so happy.”
The timing of the members’ discharges coincides with this year’s BTS FESTA, the annual celebration of the group’s June 13 debut. This year, the celebration feels extra special to fans: it marks their 12th anniversary, and all members (except Suga) will celebrate as civilians for the first time since their enlistments began.
Meanwhile, Hybe’s stock has been robust as fans rally for the upcoming reunion. That’s despite recent controversy over founder Bang Si-hyuk’s alleged involvement in fraudulent trading during the company’s IPO preparations. Hybe’s share price stood firm at 284,500 KRW ($207.56) as of market close on June 5—almost hitting its one-year high of 292,500 KRW ($213.39).
Investors and the broader music industry remain optimistic about the K-pop sensation’s reunion. Still, some believe BTS must “re-evaluate its musical direction.” One insider noted, “BTS has evolved into a global pop act, but in doing so, they’ve lost much of the raw, hip-hop energy that defined their early years. While their solo works retain strong messages, a reset of the group’s musical identity may be needed for long-term success.”
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