2026 will be a big year for K-pop, as some of the biggest names of the industry from different generations are planning long-awaited group comebacks after members spent the past few years focusing on solo projects. Headlined by long-awaited returns of superstar groups like BTS, B

Return of K-pop juggernauts, rising talents to look forward to in 2026

SEVENTEEN is a self-producing boy group with 13 members, divided into hip-hop, vocal, and performance units, known for intricate choreography and songwriting.

Jeonghan

Wonwoo

S.Coups

Joshua

Hoshi

Woozi

The8

Seungkwan

Mingyu

Vernon

Dino

SEVENTEEN

Rumi

Zoey

Huntr/X

Girls’ Generation, also known as SNSD, is a legendary South Korean girl group that debuted in 2007. They are widely credited with shaping the global rise of K-pop and remain active through group and individual projects.

Sunny

Tiffany

Yuri

Hyoyeon

Yoona

Taeyeon

Sooyoung

Seohyun

Girls’ Generation

Hearts2Hearts (하츠투하츠) is an 8-member girl group under SM Entertainment, debuting in 2025 with a fresh, emotional pop sound and a global focus.

Carmen

Jiwoo

Yuha

Stella

Juun

Aina

Yeon

Hearts2Hearts

BLACKPINK is a four-member global girl group known for their high-energy performances, luxury fashion influence, and record-breaking music videos.

Lisa

Rosé

Jisoo

Jennie

BLACKPINK

ENHYPEN is a seven-member boy group formed through I-LAND, known for powerful performances, storytelling concepts, and global popularity.

Heeseung

Jungwon

Jake

Sunghoon

Sunoo

Ni-ki

ENHYPEN

MONSTA X is a South Korean boy group formed through the survival show No.Mercy under Starship Entertainment. They debuted in 2015 and are known for powerful performances, strong rap and vocal lines, and a global fanbase. The group is currently active with Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M.

Hyungwon

Joohoney

Shownu

Minhyuk

Kihyun

MONSTA X

Stray Kids is an eight-member self-producing boy group known for intense performances, experimental sound, and powerful rap lines.

Seungmin

Lee Know

Hyunjin

Felix

Bang Chan

Changbin

Stray Kids

BABYMONSTER is a multinational girl group under YG Entertainment. They debuted as a full ensemble on April 1, 2024.

Rami

Ahyeon

Rora

Pharita

Ruka

Chiquita

BABYMONSTER

BTS is a seven–member South Korean boy group known for their powerful performances, self-produced music, and global impact across pop and hip-hop.

Suga

Jimin

J-Hope

Jungkook

BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung.

G-DRAGON

Taeyang

Daesung

BIGBANG

NewJeans is a five-member girl group known for their fresh Y2K-inspired style, smooth vocals, and viral hits.

Hyein

Haerin

Minji

Hanni

Danielle

NewJeans

LE SSERAFIM is a five-member girl group known for confident, performance-driven concepts and strong stage presence.

Sakura

Yunjin

Kazuha

Eunchae

Chaewon

LE SSERAFIM

GOT7 is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2014. Known for self-produced music and strong international presence, the group continues activities through individual agencies while maintaining group identity.

Jackson

Jinyoung

Youngjae

Mark

BamBam

Yugyeom

GOT7

ATEEZ is an eight-member K-pop boy group known for powerful performances, intense choreography, and a strong global fanbase. Since debuting in 2018, they have built a reputation for cinematic concepts and commanding stage presence.

Seonghwa

Hongjoong

Yunho

Mingi

Wooyoung

Jongho

Yeosang

ATEEZ

IVE is a six-member girl group recognized for chic visuals, confident concepts, and strong chart performance.

Yujin

Gaeul

Wonyoung

Leeseo

EXO is a globally influential K-pop boy group known for powerful vocals, polished performances, and a strong legacy in modern K-pop. Since debuting in 2012, EXO has shaped the sound and visuals of an entire generation.

Chen

D.O.

Xiumin

Suho

Chanyeol

Sehun

Baekhyun

aespa is a four–member girl group under SM Entertainment, famous for their metaverse concept, powerful performances, and hits like “Black Mamba,” “Next Level,” and “Savage.”

Giselle

Karina

Winter

Ningning

aespa

ITZY is a South Korean girl group under JYP Entertainment. They debuted on February 12, 2019.

Yeji

Ryujin

Chaeryeong

Yuna

ITZY

TWICE is a nine-member girl group famous for bright concepts, addictive choruses, and a huge discography of K-pop hits.

Jeongyeon

Nayeon

Momo

Sana

Jihyo

Mina

Chaeyoung

Tzuyu

Dahyun

TWICE

TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) is a South Korean boy group under BIGHIT MUSIC, debuting in 2019 and known for narrative-driven concepts and genre-blending pop.

Huening Kai

Taehyun

Yeonjun

Beomgyu

Soobin

TOMORROW X TOGETHER

NCT is a South Korean boy group formed by SM Entertainment with a unique multi-unit concept.

Winwin

Xiaojun

Hendery

Yangyang

Sion

Riku

Jaemin

Chenle

Jisung

Johnny

Taeyong

Yuta

Doyoung

Jaehyun

Jungwoo

Haechan

Renjun

Jeno

Yushi

Jaehee

Sakuya

Red Velvet is a five-member girl group known for switching between bright “Red” concepts and sophisticated “Velvet” R&B-influenced music.

Return of K-pop juggernauts, rising talents to look forward to in 2026

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