Rise of the Comebacks: K-Pop Stars Return from Service to Revitalize the Industry

2025 has emerged as a watershed year for the Korean popular music industry, as a wave of high-profile idols and actors complete their mandatory military service and prepare to rejoin the entertainment scene. From the much-anticipated reunion of BTS to the comeback of acclaimed actor Lee Do-hyun, the return of these talents promises to reinvigorate an industry that saw a slowdown in 2024 due in part to the absence of its biggest stars. The resumption of group activities, new album releases and potential world tours are expected to drive growth in physical album exports, streaming figures and live event revenues.

 

Lee Do-hyun’s Reappearance on Screen

On May 13, 2025, Lee Do-hyun, celebrated for his leading roles in Netflix’s “The Glory” and Disney+’s “18 Again,” concluded a 21-month tour of duty with the Republic of Korea Air Force band. His agency, Yuehua Entertainment Korea, confirmed that a flood of project offers has already arrived, underscoring the industry’s eagerness to secure his talents.

 

"2025 marks a highly anticipated year for Korean entertainment, as some of the biggest stars – including members of BTS – complete their military service," said the agency in a press statement. Lee’s acting comeback is expected this summer, with multiple television and film projects in negotiation. Industry analysts project that his return will contribute significantly to the domestic box office and streaming viewership, particularly among international audiences drawn to his critically acclaimed performances.

 

BTS Reunite: A Milestone for K-Pop

BTS, the global phenomenon that propelled K-Pop into unprecedented international prominence, is set to regroup in June 2025. Each member has gradually fulfilled South Korea’s mandatory military requirement, culminating in a full reunion mid-year. J-Hope, one of the group’s vocal and dance pillars, shared his excitement:

 

“I look forward to June when our members will have completed their service. We will quickly get together and talk about what BTS can do in the future.

 

I think that over time, we each refined our unique identities as each of us work on their own music, come out with their solo projects and do their own thing. The funny thing for me is when our identities, which have taken shape in various ways, come together as BTS, I’m curious to see how it'll look like.”

 

HYBE’s Strategic Vision and Tour Plans

HYBE chief executive Lee Jae-sang has revealed that detailed plans are underway to ensure BTS’s post-service comeback has the maximum global impact. In an interview, Lee explained:

 

“A tour date is usually set after an artist finishes their music. Since BTS members have already marked themselves down as global artists, we are consistently talking about the next step and their visions, which means that we will also need to think about our strategies in accordance with that direction.

 

HYBE is in talks with top-tier songwriters to discuss the next steps and vision for BTS. BTS may take some time to comeback after completing their military duties. A tour date will only be decided after BTS finishes their music preparations.”

 

These comments indicate a deliberate, phased approach aimed at leveraging BTS’s return to maximize both artistic quality and commercial success. Industry insiders speculate that HYBE will align the album launch with a global stadium tour, reminiscent of the record-shattering success of BTS’s “Map of the Soul” world tour.

 

Industry Statistics: Navigating a Post-Boom Adjustment

The return of high-profile acts comes at a critical juncture for the K-Pop industry. Physical album exports, long a bellwether for K-Pop’s health, retreated in 2024 after nearly a decade of uninterrupted expansion. Data compiled by the Korea Customs Service indicate that total exports reached 423.8 billion won (approximately $290.7 million) in 2024, down from the prior year’s figure, marking the first annual decline since 2015.

 

Exports to Japan, a key market, fell by 24.7 percent to 130.3 billion won, while China accounted for 72.8 percent of total export revenues despite geopolitical tensions affecting cultural exchanges. Experts attribute the downturn largely to the hiatus of major groups like BTS and Blackpink, which collectively sold 16 million albums in 2023 but saw minimal contribution in 2024. The era of 100 million K-Pop album sales, which first materialized in 2023, ended abruptly after one year.

 

“Without the presence of our flagship artists, the market inevitably faced a contraction,” said one industry analyst. “The data underscores how much the global appetite for K-Pop hinges on its biggest acts.”

 

Other Notable Comebacks

The industry resurgence is not limited to BTS and Lee Do-hyun. A roster of beloved acts has also marked their return in 2025 following service:

• EXO’s Xiumin, who enlisted in February 2024, is slated to drop his first solo EP in July. His label anticipates strong sales driven by his vocal prowess and loyal fanbase.

• NCT’s Johnny and other members have completed their service earlier in the year, paving the way for simultaneous group and solo projects under SM Entertainment.

• Soloist IU, though exempt from service under a special cultural promotion clause, has announced her first world tour dates in 2025, timed to coincide with others’ comebacks.

 

These returns, coupled with new music from rising acts such as NewJeans and aespa, are expected to stabilize export figures and reinvigorate streaming performance on global platforms.

 

Implications for Live Events and Global Tours

With restrictions lifted and large-scale gatherings back in full swing, live concerts and festivals are projected to generate record revenues. Promoters in Europe and North America have already begun booking slots for 2025; K-Pop Night Out showcases at major music festivals are in high demand.

 

Ticket presales for BTS’s reunion shows alone reportedly generated over $100 million in the first 48 hours, according to one promoter. Corporate sponsors are lining up to partner with HYBE and other agencies, recognizing the cross-cultural marketing value.

 

Digital platforms will also play a pivotal role. Virtual concert technologies, which flourished during the pandemic, will be integrated into hybrid events, offering both in-venue and online experiences. This dual approach is expected to expand audience reach by 20 to 30 percent compared to pre-pandemic figures.

 

Outlook and Industry Sentiment

As the K-Pop ecosystem transitions from a period of enforced absence to a year of highly publicized returns, stakeholders are optimistic about a rebound in both revenue and cultural influence. Analysts forecast that physical album exports could recover to 450 billion won in 2025 if flagship acts meet projected sales targets. Streaming revenue is expected to grow by 15 percent as new music from veteran and emerging artists floods global playlists.

 

“The momentum is palpable,” said a senior executive at a major music distributor. “Fans have been waiting years for this. The pent-up demand will translate into record-breaking numbers across all platforms.”

 

Conclusion

The confluence of military service completions, strategic agency planning and robust fan engagement positions 2025 as a defining year for Korean popular culture. From Lee Do-hyun’s return to the full-scale reunion of BTS, the industry stands on the cusp of renewed growth. While 2024 posed challenges, the comebacks set the stage for a resurgent K-Pop wave—one that promises to reinforce South Korea’s cultural export might and captivate audiences worldwide once more.