K-pop's biggest returns of 2026: BTS, Wanna One, IOI, and more came back
BTS ended a 3-year-9-month military hiatus. IOI reunited after 9 years. 2026 became the year K-pop's dormant groups woke up.
BTS: Billboard #1 and 82 concerts across 34 cities
BTS returned in March 2026 after 3 years and 9 months of military service. They didn't pause. Their new single Swim hit number 1 on the Billboard chart. A large-scale comeback show at Gwanghwamun Plaza marked the official re-entry. The world tour kicked off in April at Goyang Sports Complex's main stadium and runs through March 2027—34 cities, 82 concerts.
That's serious momentum for a group that spent the better part of four years away.
IOI's reverse-run chart-topper, 9 years later
IOI reunited for their 10th debut anniversary with new track Gapjagi (갑자기). The lineup: Jeon Somi, Kim Sejeong, Choi Yoojung, Chungha, Kim Sohye, Joo Kyulkyung, Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Doyeon, Kang Mina, Lim Nayoung, and Yoo Yeonjung. They hadn't shared a stage in 9 years. Gapjagi climbed to number 1 on music charts via reverse-running after release. Four members—Jung Chaeyeon, Kim Sohye, Kim Doyeon, and Lim Nayoung—have since moved into acting careers, which made the full-group reunion a bigger deal than usual.
Wanna One, CSIA, and Secret round out the class of 2026
Wanna One spent April through June on the reality program Wanna One Go: Back to Base. The group—Yoon Jisung, Ha Sungwoon, Hwang Minhyun, Ong Seongwu, Kim Jaehwan, Kang Daniel, Park Jihoon, Park Woojin, Bae Jinyoung, Lee Daehwi, and Lai Guanlin—then took the stage at KCON LA 2026 at the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena.
CSIA disbanded in 2011 and came back in 2026 with their complete lineup after 15 years. Members Nam Gyuri, Kim Yeonji, and Lee Boram had long been dogged by conflict rumors before the reunion put those to rest.
Secret's situation is different. Original members Jeon Hyosung, Jung Hana, Song Jieun, and Han Sunhwa—known for hits Shy Boy, Starlight Moonlight, and Madonna—did not all return together. The reformed group centers on Jeon Hyosung and Jung Hana, with new member Yebin joining to form a three-member unit.
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