K-pop’s Big 4: Q2 2026 Results and What They Mean for Audition Prep
Compare HYBE, SM, JYP, and YG’s Q2 2026 results and the artist activity behind them, with practical questions for international audition applicants.
HYBE, SM, JYP, and YG reported very different results for the second quarter of 2026. Our Big 4 guide looks at the numbers—and the artist activity behind them—to give aspiring singers a wider view of the companies they hope to audition for.
One quarter, four different results
| Company | Revenue | Operating profit | Revenue change vs. Q2 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| HYBE | ≈ $967 million | ≈ $114 million | +105.5% |
| SM | ≈ $233 million | ≈ $35 million | +15.4% |
| JYP | ≈ $122 million | ≈ $21 million | −15.1% |
| YG | ≈ $85 million | ≈ $7.3 million | +27.2% |
These are consolidated quarterly results. The rounded dollar figures follow our card guide’s comparison at approximately ₩1,500 per US dollar; they are not a live currency conversion. Revenue is money earned from business activity. Operating profit is what remains after operating costs.
HYBE: BTS helped change the quarter
HYBE reported revenue of ₩1.45 trillion and operating profit of ₩170.9 billion. Its results were driven by BTS’s return and world tour, alongside activity across the wider artist roster.
The effect reaches beyond concert tickets. Albums, merchandise, and fan-platform activity are parts of the same artist business. For applicants, this is a reminder to look at how a company supports artists across releases, performances, and audience relationships. HYBE’s Q2 announcement.
SM: several parts of the roster contributed
SM’s consolidated revenue grew 15.4%, with operating profit up 11.0%. Our guide highlights concerts, merchandise, licensing, and artist appearances, alongside contributions from established acts and newer-generation artists.
The useful takeaway is the breadth of the business. One artist’s comeback does not describe everything happening at a company. Look across its roster and listen to how different voices, concepts, and performances fit within it. SM’s earnings materials.
JYP: tour timing changed the comparison
JYP reported revenue of ₩183.1 billion and operating profit of ₩31.0 billion. Revenue fell 15.1% and operating profit fell 41.4% compared with the same quarter a year earlier.
Its earnings presentation points to the high comparison base from Stray Kids’ large-scale concerts and merchandise in Q2 2025. Music revenue grew, but concerts and merchandise brought in less than in that earlier quarter.
That distinction matters: a weaker quarter can reflect the timing of activity. JYP’s plans also show how releases, tours, and localized projects connect across markets. JYP’s Q2 results and outlook.
YG: growth beyond one headline act
YG’s reported consolidated revenue rose 27.2%, while operating profit increased 31.2%. BABYMONSTER and TREASURE contributed through activity including releases, merchandise, and digital content.
Our guide uses this quarter to draw attention to the artists building momentum beyond BLACKPINK. YG remained the smallest of the four by quarterly revenue in this comparison. The question to follow is how that activity develops over time. YG’s company disclosures and reported Q2 results.
What should an international applicant take from this?
Our reading of the results is that company direction deserves attention alongside the audition notice. Tours, new artists, and projects in different countries help you understand where a company is active.
Quarterly revenue cannot tell you which applicants will be selected. It can give you questions to research:
- Which artists and markets is the company developing?
- What vocal colors and performance styles appear across its roster?
- How do your strongest songs show your own voice?
- What does the current audition notice actually ask you to submit?
Keep the last question practical. Follow the notice’s requirements and choose a song that makes your strengths easy to hear. Treat the company’s business results as context, rather than an audition formula.
Find the agency that fits your strengths
Your strengths need a clear direction. Prepare your song, recording, and performance around what you do well—and get specific feedback on what needs work.
Book a 15-minute vocal diagnosis with K-POP VOCAL COACH to identify your next training step. Our team includes coaches with experience at HYBE, JYP, YG, STARSHIP, CUBE, and A20.
