HYBE Faces Backlash For Reportedly Preparing To Debut New Girl Groups This Year

With the start of the new year, fans are curious to see what 2025 has in store for K-Pop. While there were many controversies last year, many wonder what the big four K-Pop agencies will pull through for the new year.

In the case of HYBE, they expect a full group comeback with BTS in the second half of the year after the member’s military service is completed.

If everything goes as planned, they are expected to release a new album and begin a world tour in 2026. If the activities go as scheduled, HYBE will hit an 80% increase in operating profit compared to last year.

Although SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi, Wonwoo, and Woozi will enlist in the military, the group plans to continue with unit and solo activities.

Source Music and Pledis also plan on releasing new girl groups, making HYBE one of the most active entertainment companies in Korea.

Korean netizens however, were not excited about the news about new group debuts.

• “Didn’t they debut ILLIT and KATSEYE last year? And they’re releasing more?”
• “Get a grip, HYBE.”
• “Aren’t they mass-producing groups and helping those that aren’t getting hate? I wonder who they will refer to for the new group concept this time.”
• “Why are they not trying to grow their IP and instead keep making new groups? Groups like GFRIEND and fromis9 had good content and storyline..they have many people from the gaming field…they should know how hard it is to grow a new IP..”
• “Are they just releasing everything to see the reaction beforehand?”

What are your thoughts on this?