2026 Second Half Boy Group Discharge and Comeback Supercycle
One of the key trends in the K-pop industry in 2026 is the 'recovery from military hiatus'. As boy group members who enlisted between 2024 and 2025 are successively discharged, the second half of the year is expected to see a surge in full-group comebacks and new album releases. Here, we will outline the trends, focusing on officially confirmed discharge schedules. Comeback dates that have not yet been announced are not assumed, and areas requiring official announcements are marked as such.
Confirmed Discharge Calendar
As key members return in the first half of the year, the foundation for full-group activities in the second half of the year is laid.
- iKON Song Yunhyeong — Discharged on February 12, 2026 (Active duty army)
- NCT Jaehyun — Discharged on May 3, 2026 (Army Military Band)
- SEVENTEEN Jeonghan — Released from service on June 25, 2026 (Social Service Worker)
- VICTON Yoo Insoo — Discharged on August 17, 2026 (Air Force Military Band)
Members who returned in the first half of the year join group preparations, and when the remaining members complete their discharge in the second half, 'full-group' schedules naturally fall into place. Therefore, the second half of the year is seen as a period where group-unit comeback announcements increase, rather than individual member returns.
Teams Expected to Return as a Full Group
SEVENTEEN's members have been enlisting and being discharged in phases, and Jeonghan's release from service completes another piece of the full-group puzzle. NCT also expands the scope of unit and full-group operations with Jaehyun's discharge. However, specific full-group comeback dates and new album concepts are not confirmed until an official announcement is made, so it is advisable to distinguish between fandom predictions and official schedules.
'Return of Legends' Narrative
2026 is also the year when the activities of iconic groups like BTS, BIGBANG, and EXO are once again a hot topic. While expectations are high, as their resumption of activities and formats are covered differently by each media outlet, confirmed schedules should be based on official channel announcements. If the trends of several major groups overlap in one season, music show, awards ceremony, and festival lineups will be quickly filled, making it likely that the K-pop industry in the second half of the year will be more packed than any other year.
Expanding Contact Points with Boy Groups × Drama·Variety Shows
The first activity after discharge is not necessarily an album. It is common for members to first appear in acting, variety shows, or musicals, so in the second half of the year, the activities of boy group members, coupled with Drama casting news, are also noteworthy. As individual members build their filmographies, a virtuous cycle is created where the buzz for the team's comeback also rises.
Fan Checklist
- Prioritize Official Schedules: Even if the discharge date is confirmed, the comeback date is separate. Check agency announcements and official SNS first.
- Music Shows·Festivals: The outline of comebacks often becomes clear when the second-half lineup is revealed.
- Unit Activities: It's also common for members to warm up with unit or solo activities before a full-group comeback, so it's good to keep an eye on them.
In summary, the second half of 2026 is at the heart of a supercycle leading from 'discharge → joining → full-group preparation'. The confirmed discharge schedules are as listed above, and keeping in mind that comeback details are areas updated as official announcements are made, will help in discerning information.
