RM Shocks ARMY by Revealing Jungkook's Post-Concert Schedule

 

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the number of foreign visitors to South Korea in March reached 2,046,000, marking a 26.7% year-on-year increase. This figure is also 30% higher than in the same month in 2019, before the pandemic. By country, China ranked first with 500,000 visitors, followed by Japan, Taiwan, and the United States.

Experts have analyzed that strong growth was driven by a large influx of global fans traveling to Korea for the concerts marking BTS's return.

Meanwhile, Hana Card estimated that 30,000 foreign tourists attended the three BTS concerts in Goyang in early April alone. This generated domestic spending of up to 55.5 billion KRW (approximately US$37.659.614) 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 overall 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 US$ 473.832.582) from January to March. This represents an increase of about 40% compared to 500.6 billion won (approximately US$ 339.682.931) in the same period last year, marking the highest first-quarter performance to date 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—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 approximately 10 minutes of release and 3.98 million on its 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 its first 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 Korean 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 Korea. The tour is expected to include 85 stadium shows, with the initial performances drawing massive global audiences. 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 by 66% year-on-year to 294.7 billion KRW (approximately US$ 199.969.157). Merchandise and licensing revenue rose by 29%, while fan club-related revenue surged by 69% during BTS's comeback and tour cycle.

These statistics quickly spread across online fan communities. Netizens expressed amazement at the massive 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.

ARMYs Comments:

1. HYBE is BTS. There is no HYBE without them—always remember that.

2. That building is still standing strong and thriving globally because BTS built it, so we aren't surprised.

3. Of course they did. As they said, "came back for what's theirs"

4. Yeah, we know why their revenue is higher than ever again, but they're still ungrateful to the seven people they earn all their precious money from. I said what I said—argue with the wall. 

5. The way BTS contributed to HYBE's Q1 revenue, likely around 40%, surpassing Q1 2025—meanwhile, K-media, EmpireX, and a bunch of K-pop accounts are highlighting the operating loss, which is understandable since one of the reasons is that Bang Si-hyuk gave his employees big bonuses.

6. I love how whenever K-pop fans invent a like to throw hate at BTS, the truth shows up instantly.

7. And this is why when someone on Twitter tells you the album flopped, you don't argue, because it shouldn't matter. The facts about ARIRANG's success won't suddenly change because of a few haters' unwarranted opinions.

8. K-pop fans, get this into your heads: "Highest-ever first-quarter results despite the industry's typical off-season."