BTS Tour Drives HYBE Concert Revenue Up 197% in Q3
South Korean entertainment company HYBE reported record quarterly revenue and operating profit in the third quarter of 2026, driven largely by the international touring activities of BTS and other artists on its roster.
HYBE generated revenue of KRW 1.53 trillion (€1.02 billion) during the quarter, an increase of 109.8% compared with the same period last year. Operating profit reached KRW 188.5 billion (€125.7 million), representing an operating margin of approximately 12.4%.
Concert revenue increased by 196.7% year-on-year to KRW 726.8 billion (€484 million), accounting for approximately 47.6% of the company`s total quarterly revenue.
The increase was primarily attributed to the North American and European legs of BTS` ongoing Arirang World Tour, which has become a major contributor to HYBE`s live entertainment business. The company reported average attendance of approximately 70,000 per BTS concert during the quarter.
Other HYBE artists, including ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, &TEAM, BOYNEXTDOOR, TWS, ILLIT, KATSEYE and CORTIS, also contributed to the company`s touring activities.
Merchandise and licensing generated KRW 334.6 billion (€223 million), while recorded music contributed KRW 282.8 billion (€188 million). Together, concerts and merchandise accounted for nearly 70% of HYBE`s quarterly revenue, highlighting the growing importance of live performances and related fan spending to the company`s business.
According to HYBE, BTS generated approximately KRW 107 billion (€71 million) in merchandise revenue from its North American tour during the quarter, with around two million items sold across 31 concerts between April and September.
The company also reported continued international expansion for KATSEYE, including 31 sold-out performances across Europe and North America, with further arena dates scheduled in Asia and Oceania in January 2027.
Despite the record operating results, HYBE reported net profit of KRW 11.3 billion (€7.5 million), significantly below the previous quarter, partly due to foreign-exchange valuation losses on overseas cash holdings.
Looking ahead, HYBE expects BTS` world tour to continue into the first half of 2027, with additional dates planned.
The results underline HYBE`s increasing reliance on international touring, merchandise sales and live entertainment as major revenue drivers alongside its recorded music business.