This summer marks the return of K-pop's most representative groups, with BTS, BLACKPINK, and TWICE all launching major comeback activities that promise to reshape the global music landscape. 

BLACKPINK's Triumphant Reunion 

BLACKPINK has officially reunited after focusing on individual activities following their contract conclusion with YG Entertainment in late 2023. Each member proved their solo prowess by breaking records domestically and internationally, making their group reunion all the more anticipated. 

The quartet made their spectacular return on July 5th at Goyang Stadium in Gyeonggi Province, launching their "DEADLINE" world tour. Coinciding with the release of their new song "JUMP," BLACKPINK demonstrated their power as a unified team after 2 years and 8 months since their last group release, the second full album "BORN PINK" in September 2022. 

The tour spans 31 concerts across 16 cities worldwide, including major stadium-level venues in the United States and Europe. Most notably, BLACKPINK will make history as the first K-pop girl group to perform at London's Wembley Stadium. 

TWICE's Strategic Comeback 

Following BLACKPINK's momentum, TWICE prepares to release their fourth full album "This Is For" on July 11th. This marks their first full album in 3 years and 8 months since "Formula of Love: O+T=<3" in November 2021, and comes seven months after their 14th mini-album "Strategy" in December 2024. 

The 14-track album promises a unique concept befitting their "Summer Queen" title. TWICE will simultaneously launch their sixth world tour "This Is For," beginning July 19-20 at Incheon Inspire Arena. This follows their record-breaking fifth world tour "Ready to Be," which attracted 1.5 million audience members. 

The upcoming tour features 360-degree seating arrangements and collaboration with renowned multimedia creative studio Moment Factory, known for working with global artists. Starting with sold-out Incheon shows, the tour continues through Osaka, Aichi, Fukuoka, Tokyo, Macau, Bulacan, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. 

TWICE will also headline Chicago's massive Lollapalooza festival on August 2nd at Grant Park, Illinois. 

BTS: The Long-Awaited Return 

Global icons BTS have officially returned after completing their mandatory military service in June. Jin and J-Hope were discharged in June and October 2023 respectively, while RM and V completed service on June 10th, followed by Jimin and Jungkook on June 11th. SUGA, who served as a social service worker, was released on June 21st. 

The timing proved symbolic as the members reunited just in time for their 12th debut anniversary on June 13th. 

BTS officially announced their spring 2025 comeback through fan platform Weverse on July 1st. International media has focused intensively on the return of these "21st-century pop icons" who rewrote global music history beyond K-pop boundaries. 

Global Economic Impact and Expectations 

The Guardian highlighted industry anticipation for BTS's return, citing Korea Culture and Tourism Institute data showing the group generated approximately 5.5 trillion won (roughly $4.1 billion) in annual economic effects before military service—equivalent to about 0.2% of South Korea's GDP. 

The publication noted BTS holds the record as Spotify's most-streamed group and was the first K-pop act to top both Billboard 200 and Billboard Artist 100 charts simultaneously. 

Preparation and Industry Revival 

BTS members will gradually relocate to the United States starting in July for music production and concert preparations. Their comeback plan includes a new album release accompanied by a massive world tour, their first since "BTS Permission to Dance on Stage" concluded in 2022. 

Despite the lengthy hiatus, BTS's popularity remains unwavering. Following comeback news, their 2019 track "HOME" re-entered Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart at #1, while their first group live broadcast in three years recorded 8 million views in approximately one hour. 

Industry observers view these comebacks as a crucial opportunity for the K-pop market to rebound from recent stagnation, with all three groups poised to demonstrate K-pop's continued global dominance.

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