BTS comeback, Seventeen tour, and more: K-pop acts to fangirl over in early 2026

Mark your calendars and hold on to your lightsticks—2026 is set to light up like dynamite!

2026 is by far the best time to be a fan of K-pop—and ARMYs, Blinks, and EXO-Ls would agree. It’s shaping up to be an exciting year filled with major comebacks from legendary groups like BTS, Blacpink, EXO, and Bigbang, and thrilling concerts, fanmeets, and new music from various groups, including Seventeen, Stray Kids, GOT7, and Twice.

The year started strong, especially for the BTS ARMY, when the supergroup officially confirmed their long-awaited comeback date after years of of military enlistments, solo ventures, and quiet hope. On January 1, the group’s agency, Big Hit Music, announced via press release that ARMY’s OT7 are finally returning with a new album on March 20.

The date was first hinted at by members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook through a handwritten letter delivered to the homes of select fans in time for the New Year. According to Big Hit, these lucky folks are those who have maintained their Weverse membership over the past three years.

BTS’ handwritten letter to ARMY, hinting at their comeback date | Leaked photo form @jooniefighting on X

BTS used the letter to express their gratitude to ARMY for their unwavering support. But more than anything, what got social media buzzing with excitement was how the letter was dated “2026.3.20”—the same date that Big Hit later announced as the supergroup’s official return to the music scene. 

“I’ve waited for this comeback more earnestly than anyone else,” the group’s leader, RM, wrote in the letter. “Thank you so much for waiting,” Jin said, while Jimin added, “The year we meet has finally come.” Fans who didn’t receive the letter will be able to check it out on fan platform Weverse later in January.

The group previously shared that they have been working on a new album since July last year. Following its release a year later, BTS is heading out for a world tour, which comes seven years since their “Love Yourself” tour in 2019. Meanwhile, their upcoming album is slated for release four years after their anthology project “Proof” was released in June 2022, before their hiatus for South Korea’s mandatory military service. 

Photo from Big Hit Music

“We’re approaching the album with the same mindset we had when we first started,” BTS said in a statement last year. “We’re also planning a world tour alongside the new album. We’ll be visiting fans all around the world, so we hope you’re as excited as we are.”

More details about the album and the tour will be announced at a later date through BTS’ official channels. Besides the group’s much-awaited return, K-pop enthusiasts can look forward to other exciting events to fangirl with throughout the year. So, mark your calendars and hold on to your lightsticks, as 2026 is set to light up like dynamite!

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January

Kicking off the year is South Korean actor and singer Kangin, who is holding his “Stunning Together” fan meeting in the Philippines on January 11 at the SM North EDSA Skydome. It has been over a decade since the former Super Junior member last visited the country, so it’s definitely a must-see for Filo ELFs out there. 

“It’s been many years since we last saw each other. I can’t even remember,” he told fans in a video message. “I have so much I want to say but I’ll reserve it for the fan meeting. The Manila show is the first stop of this fan meeting tour so I’m feeling both nervous and excited. I can’t wait to spend fun time with all of you again.”

Following Kangin, Red Velvet member Wendy is set to return to Manila for her debut solo tour, “W:ealive.” The concert, happening on January 17 at the New Frontier Theater, is part of the singer’s solo debut and move to ASND agency while remaining with Red Velvet. On the same day, RIIZE is bringing more thrill and excitement to the Mall of Asia Arena with their “RIIZING LOUD” tour. Happening just six months after their “RIIZING DAY” concert at the Araneta Coliseum, the group’s event this year promises better performances and fan interaction at a bigger venue. “We’ll do our best to prepare and give you an amazing show,” said member Sohee in a video message.

K-pop fans should also gear up for back-to-back concerts from pop-rock band Day6 and iKON member Jay on January 24. Day6 is flying back to the country after a year, for their “The Decade Tour,” celebrating their 10th anniversary at the Mall of Asia Arena. Jay is meanwhile holding his solo concert “Jay 207” at the SM North EDSA Skydome.

February

Fans of Kim SeJeong should better prepare to be charmed by the singer-actress IRL as she holds her “Tenth Letter” fan concert at the New Frontier Theater on February 21. Following the Business Proposal star’s concert, EXO star Chen is taking his “Arcadia” concert to the EVM Convention Center in Quezon City on February 28. At the intimate affair, fans can expect to be swooned by Chen’s voice and the stories behind his fifth extended play (EP) of the same title, released in September 2024.

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March

Summer is looking to be exceptionally hot this year, with two major concerts setting the season ablaze for Filo ATINY and Carats. ATEEZ is heading back to the country for their “In Your Fantasy” tour happening on March 14 at the Araneta Coliseum. Making another Manila comeback is the country’s most streamed K-pop group for 2025, SEVENTEEN, who are   holding their “NEW_” world tour on March 21 at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan.

Filipino MOAs can likewise expect another “fun meet” with Tomorrow X Together (TXT), as the boy group is returning to the country with their “Wonders at 5:53” fan convention on March 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena. NCT Wish is also making sure that NCTzens will not be missed out, as the Japanese-Korean boy band is returning to the Philippines for a fan meet on March 14. The event, which is taking place at the New Frontier Theater, is part of the six-member group’s first-ever concert tour, “Into The Wish: Our Wish,” that kicked off in South Korea last October.

April

Filipino Treasure Makers can expect the heat of the summer season to intensify, with TREASURE’s powerful performances at their “PULSE ON” tour happening on April 18 at the Mall of Asia Arena. DIVEs should also gear up for a night packed with excitement, confidence, and self-love at IVE’s “Show What I Am” concert on April 25 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The month of May, meanwhile, still doesn’t have any events lined up for Filipino K-pop enthusiasts as of writing, but stay tuned to The POST for all that’s hot and exciting coming your way.

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Associate Editor

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