The story related to 'BTS Full Group Comeback Delayed To 2026' mentioned in HYBE's 3Q conference call has caused a lot of controversy. The label has faced questioning and criticism from fans for their "confusing" statement.

In particular, when Big Hit Music recently released a new statement to clarify the issue, fans were not only dissatisfied but also angry at the label's response. ARMYs believe that Big Hit Music is making things more complicated and confusing.

Below is the label's latest response as well as the recorded fan reactions:

On the 5th of this month, HYBE held their 3Q conference to report their financial results as well as answer the label's current issues. Among them, the most notable news and the source of speculation about BTS's delayed comeback date came from the statement of HYBE's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Lee Kyung Jun.

Accordingly, when Mr. Lee was asked about BTS's world tour and HYBE's revenue rate, he responded: "We are in close discussions with the artists regarding BTS's post-military activity plans”. Since then, fans have begun to speculate about whether BTS will start long-term activities in 2026 instead of 2025.

Not only that, criticisms that HYBE used media tricks to deceive fans also appeared. In September 2023, HYBE made a firm statement that “With the renewal of their contracts, we hope will be able to share with everyone a full group promotional period for BTS in 2025” when announcing the renewal of 7 BTS members. However, the recent statement is different from that. 

Facing the wave of doubts and criticism from fans, this morning, Big Hit Music quickly clarified the issue. Big Hit Music told кσяєαn media,"We are in close discussions with the artists regarding BTS's post-military activity plans” and added, "After we decide on specific plans, including timing and мєтнods, we will inform fans at the appropriate time."

They also elaborated that CFO Lee's previous statement was based on a question about holding a tour, which could happen that year. It was not meant to imply that BTS would reunite and promote in 2026. However, they did not provide any further information about plans for next year, when the remaining five members of BTS will be discharged from the military in June.

Despite clarifying speculations about BTS's delayed comeback, it seems that Big Hit Music's explanation has not satisfied the majority of fans. On social media forums, ARMYs have different opinions. Some are confused about what HYBE is doing while others think it is good news because they are making sure that BTS will return:

- What's exactly going on?

- It sounds like Big Hit Music is being careful with how they communicate updates, especially with BTS still having members in the military. The mention of 2026 seems to be more about future plans around a potential tour, not necessarily group activities. It’s good to know they’re keeping fans in the loop, though!

- Idc idc as long as they're done with their ms, they're unstoppable. Be it a tour, album, or anything, EVERYTHING, all I need to know is 7 of them are free, healthy, and together in the same group

- Tbh idt we even need this discussion at this point cos, as they pointed out, there are still members who are in the military. they don’t need to be discussing this (but i know how hands-on the tannies are) while they’re in there. as armys, can we just wait for them patiently???

- Let them take that ∂αми rest till when they are ready. No need to rush. As long as we are still breathing we will wait for them

- Maybe people should let them come home & take a moment before resuming group activities it’s not like they have been on summer camp for 18mths

- Only the ignorant thought that they were going to hop right back into it in 2025 instead of having a chance to be real humans again. We always knew it was going to be 2026 that 2025 was them being back together as 7 and reconnecting

- Anticipation builds as Big Hit Music reveals ongoing discussions with BTS members for a full-group comeback after military service. The world is ready for OT7!

- It’s great to hear that Big Hit Music is in talks about BTS’s full group activities after their discharge. Fans are eagerly waiting for the reunion and the next chapter in their journey together