BTS' 2026 world tour sales forecast to soar... predicted to reach up to 1.4 trillion won

The securities industry has been revising upwards its sales forecasts for BTS's 2026 full-group reunion world tour, heightening anticipation among fans worldwide.

On the 28th, Daol Investment & Securities researcher Im Do-yong predicted that HYBE would record sales of approximately 1.3 trillion to 1.4 trillion won from BTS's world tour next year.

　Previously, Kookmin Securities forecasted 3.9 million attendees across 65 concerts, generating $600 million in revenue. LS Securities, meanwhile, projected 3.08 million attendees across 60 concerts, anticipating HYBE's concert business revenue to surge 62.6% year-on-year to 1.2728 trillion won. Securities firms are successively releasing analysis reports, competing to raise their earnings forecasts.

　Daol Investment & Securities cited expectations of rising ticket prices and expanded sales of MD (merchandise) as grounds for its forecast. Researcher Im Do-yong analysed that the average ticket price in North America is expected to rise to around $220, with ticket price increases also anticipated across Asia. Consequently, the global average ticket price is projected to reach approximately 270,000 won, with ticket sales alone expected to reach around 900 billion won.

　Particularly, as this tour marks a return after approximately four years, growth in merchandise sales, centred on the renewal of the ARMY BOMB (official light stick), is also anticipated. Researcher Im Do-young assessed, "Given the characteristics of the 'BTS' fanbase, which possesses higher purchasing power than other intellectual properties (IP), the effect of expanded merchandise sales is likely to be more clearly evident."

　In an October report, LS Securities researcher Park Seong-ho also analysed, "Given BTS's scheduled comeback, the rebound in performance is expected to be the strongest within the entertainment industry," adding, "BTS's world tour is projected to exceed 60 performances and draw over 3.08 million attendees."

　According to overseas media reports, over 30 of the concerts are scheduled for North America, with a combined total of over 37 concerts planned for North America and Europe. Researcher Im Do-young predicted that BTS would release an album in March next year, followed by the commencement of their world tour in late April. The tour schedule is expected to be announced in January.

　This projected tour revenue is overwhelming even when compared to BTS's past tour earnings. According to the American concert industry magazine Pollstar, BTS's total revenue from concerts between 2015 and 2022 amounted to approximately $300 million. However, as the actual number of performances is believed to be significantly higher than the number Pollstar has recorded, the true revenue is estimated to be considerably greater.

Incidentally, from 2021 to 2022 alone, BTS generated approximately $18 million through 12 performances across four cities. As this marks their first full seven-member tour in four years since their April 2022 Las Vegas concert, their 2026 solo tour alone is expected to generate revenues far exceeding those of the past seven years combined.

　Fans are unable to conceal their excitement not only at the successive predictions being released, but also at the report's statement that "tour plans are likely to be announced in January". One fan expressed their thrill, saying, "Could BTS's tour dates be coming in January? BTS is coming!" Another fan reacted, "It's astonishing that the industry expects them to earn around $1 billion from a single tour. The demand accumulated since their enlistment must be at levels we've never seen before." The demand accumulated since their military service is likely at levels we've never seen before."

Previously, when a securities firm's report was released, fans were enthusiastic, hoping "that audience could be us," but simultaneously worried about the extremely difficult ticket battle, saying "we'll just have to forget about tickets." One fan expressed their desperate hope for an official announcement soon, stating, "I'm so impatient, I get exhausted every time an article like this comes out. 'This is the 79th article in the last six months. If that's the case, just announce it now!'" expressing their earnest desire for an official announcement soon.

It is known that all members will complete their military service by June 2025 and are currently working on a new album in Los Angeles.