- HYBE posts 500.6B KRW in Q1 2025 sales, a 39% YoY increase.
- Concert and merch sales drive profits despite NewJeans contract dispute.
- BTS’ upcoming return expected to boost future revenue by 45%.
HYBE Corporation has stunned the K-pop industry by reporting its highest-ever Q1 revenue, totaling 500.6 billion KRW. Fueled by major global tours from top acts like SEVENTEEN, TXT, and BTS’ J-Hope, HYBE’s concert income alone tripled from last year to 155.2 billion KRW.
Despite the financial success, HYBE is navigating internal friction due to a public legal dispute between its subsidiary ADOR and girl group NewJeans.
HYBE Surges Financially While NewJeans Battle Casts a Shadow
HYBE’s Q1 2025 earnings have shattered previous records, highlighting the company’s dominance in the global K-pop industry. With a 39% year-over-year increase, the 500.6 billion KRW revenue was largely driven by artists scaling up to world tours and expanding their global footprint. The fact that HYBE achieved this during a traditionally slow quarter only reinforces its robust business model.
Concert revenue proved to be the biggest catalyst, with over 155 billion KRW earned from tours alone—more than triple the previous year. Direct artist activities, including albums and endorsements, comprised nearly two-thirds of the company’s income, while merch and digital content significantly lifted indirect revenue. HYBE’s operating profit also saw a healthy 50% jump.
Meanwhile, legal friction continues between ADOR and its flagship act NewJeans. Accusing the label of mismanagement, the group has initiated a contract termination bid, but courts have blocked them from pursuing independent promotions. This internal standoff could disrupt one of HYBE’s most commercially valuable assets if prolonged.
Looking ahead, HYBE is banking on the return of BTS to drive its next phase of growth. With several members nearing the end of their military service, the company projects a 45% revenue increase and 49% profit rise by 2026. BTS’ comeback is expected to be a global event that could eclipse even these already strong numbers.
HYBE’s record-breaking momentum shows no signs of slowing, but its handling of internal disputes like the NewJeans controversy will be crucial to sustaining long-term credibility and cohesion.
“You can’t separate art from business in K-pop—it’s a delicate balance, and when it breaks, everyone feels the tremor.” — Industry Analyst on agency-artist disputes.
