By Blessing Nweke
Shares in Hybe dropped sharply on Monday after turnout at a highly anticipated comeback concert by BTS fell well below expectations, raising concerns among investors about the group’s post-hiatus momentum.
The free concert, held at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday, marked the first time all seven members—Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook—had performed together since pausing activities in 2022 for mandatory military service.
Organisers had expected around 250,000 attendees, but only about 104,000 fans showed up. The lower-than-anticipated turnout contributed to a nearly 15% سقوط in Hybe’s stock price, pushing it to a four-month low after months of gains driven by comeback expectations and the release of BTS’s new album, Arirang.
Despite the smaller crowd, the concert reached a global audience through a live stream on Netflix, which broadcast the event in over 190 countries. Analysts say the accessibility of the stream, combined with tight crowd control measures, may have reduced in-person attendance. Viewership figures are expected later this week.
Hybe’s subsidiary, Big Hit Music, reported strong early sales for Arirang, with nearly four million copies sold on its first day. During the concert, BTS performed tracks from the album alongside popular hits like “Butter” and “Dynamite.”
The stakes remain high for Hybe, which relies heavily on BTS for revenue. The company’s profits declined during the group’s hiatus, even as global interest in K-pop surged.
As BTS resumes activities, it faces increasing competition from groups such as Blackpink, Seventeen, and Stray Kids, as well as emerging virtual acts, underscoring a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
Original article
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