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Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
HYBE's Mumbai office plan sparks BTS concert hopes in India: What it could mean for Desi K-pop culture
Indian K-pop fans are in a frenzy following reports that HYBE, the powerhouse behind global acts like BTS, TXT, Seventeen, and Le Sserafim, is planning to set up an office in India. As part of its ongoing global expansion, reports suggest that the K-pop juggernaut has zeroed in on Mumbai as its next international hub. With the BTS reunion coming up in June after all the members complete their military service, and talk of a world tour in 2026, Indian K-pop fans are getting hopeful. Amid reports of HYBE eyeing India, many Indian fans are now wondering if BTS could finally perform in the country. But beyond a BTS concert, let's explore what HYBE's Mumbai office could mean for Desi K-pop culture. HYBE plans Mumbai office: Report On May 9 (KST), the Yonhap agency reported that Bang Si Hyuk-led HYBE is working on plans to open a new office in Mumbai, India, citing sources from the finance and investment sector. This would make HYBE the first Korean entertainment company to directly enter the Indian market. The report stated that India is seen as a market with huge growth potential, with a population of over 1.4 billion and an average age of 28.2, as of last year. Along with its young demographic, India's widespread English proficiency also makes it attractive for global entertainment companies. According to PwC Consulting, India's entertainment and media market is set to grow from ₹2.45 trillion (approx. 40 trillion KRW) in 2023 to ₹3.45 trillion (approx. 56 trillion KRW) by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 8.3%. HYBE is reportedly aiming to tap into this growing opportunity. When the news agency reached out to a HYBE official, they stated the company regularly does market research in different countries, but setting up an office in India is not something that's been firmly decided yet. What HYBE's India plans could mean for Desi K-pop fans While HYBE hasn't confirmed a Mumbai office yet, it's clear the company sees potential in India. Over the last few years, India's entertainment space has grown, with more large-scale concerts and global events—something that fits perfectly with K-pop's performance-heavy style. Events like Coldplay's concert earlier this year proved that India not only has the audience but also the infrastructure to host massive international shows. Now that HYBE is exploring the Indian market, fans are hopeful this could lead to their favourite idols finally performing live here. But more than just concerts, a HYBE office in Mumbai could open up bigger possibilities. A boost for band culture in India One major shift could be the return of band culture in India. HYBE America recently launched KATSEYE, a five-member girl group, and their debut single GNARLY, is already making waves. If something similar happens in India, it could reshape the music scene. While Indian bands like The Local Train, Indian Ocean, and Agnee have had a loyal fan base, they've largely remained outside the mainstream. With HYBE's influence and resources, there's a chance we could see more Indian bands rise to prominence and reach a wider audience. Cross-cultural collaborations on the horizon Indian artists have collaborated globally before, but when it comes to K-pop, there haven't been many high-profile partnerships except for recent Diljit Dosanjh's collab with Jackson Wang. This is surprising, considering India is one of the biggest markets for K-pop. Recently, singer Armaan Malik tweeted his excitement about receiving a signed album from TXT and thanked HYBE. That one post sparked a wave of speculation about a potential collaboration, showing just how eager fans are for Indian-Korean artist pair-ups and how much potential lies in such crossover moments. thank you for this signed @TXT_bighit album, @HYBEOFFICIALtwt fam! can't wait to explore their music 🫰🏻 Will BTS hold a concert in India? Now that HYBE is finally taking an interest in the Indian market, a BTS concert here doesn't seem like an impossible dream anymore. With the group's reunion just around the corner and a world tour expected next year, Indian fans are holding on to hope. If things align, Desi ARMYS might just get the surprise they've been waiting for. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘We're getting a BTS concert': Indian fans hopeful as HYBE plans Mumbai office
HYBE, the agency behind some of the globally popular K-pop groups like BTS, TXT, Seventeen, Le Sserafim and more, is reportedly planning to open an office in Mumbai, its first in the country, according to South Korean news agency Yonhap. With the news arriving ahead of the highly anticipated BTS reunion in June—and rumored world tour plans for 2026—fans are hopeful that India will finally be included in the list of tour destinations. They also believe K-pop concerts might no longer be limited to small-scale events in the country. India's entertainment industry is booming, with reports suggesting it generated around Rs 101 billion in revenue in 2024, thanks to top-tier concerts, live shows, and immersive events. Also read: BTS India concert in 2026? 5 signs it could finally happen Apart from South Korea, HYBE has offices in America, Latin America and Japan. India could be the next, and for the Bang Si Hyuk-led company, this would be a big overseas market entry, as the country has become a major hub for global music concerts, with stars like Ed Sheeran, Coldplay. Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, and Travis Scott headlining shows. However, according to reports, the plans are still under consideration, with a HYBE representative stating they are 'continuously doing market research in various regions.' The latest EY-FICCI M&E report, dated March 2025, projects an impressive growth in revenue from the live event entertainment sector, which could reach Rs 167 billion by 2027, with an 18.2% CAGR. Also read: Is BTS disbanding or is Jungkook up to something? 10 Most Googled questions about BTS before their big 2025 reunion 'Hearing BTS and India alone gives me immense happiness,' a fan commented on X. 'OMG we are getting a BTS concert, really?' wrote another fan. 'No way, pls someone tell me BTS and Seventeen are coming,' a third fan wrote. 'We are definitely getting concerts for the OT7 tour,' another added. It's been years since K-pop's craze boomed globally, and big groups like BTS, Stray Kids, Twice, Blackpink, etc., made their footing in the West, especially America, where they are enjoying sold-out shows that even many mainstream singers fail to achieve. However, India only saw a handful of those events, with big groups avoiding them due to a lack of infrastructure and low album sales. However, since those things have finally started to change, 2024–2025 saw many Korean artistes like Suho (EXO), Hyolyn (ex-SISTAR), BamBam (GOT7), Chen (EXO), Xiumin (EXO), B.I (ex-iKON), Jackson Wang, flocking to the country and receiving great response from the Indian audience. Now the wait is for BTS, the septet including Jin, Jimin, Suga, J-Hope, Taehyung, RM and Jungkook, whose popularity in India is unparalleled. For the unversed, HYBE also owns multiple subsidiary agencies like Belift Lab, Source Music, Pledis Entertainment, KOZ Entertainment, and ADOR, which is home to groups like NewJeans, ILLIT, BOYNEXTDOOR, and more. If the Mumbai office becomes a reality, this will also open the door for these groups.
