[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Seoul, October 8 — Despite the KOSPI’s strong rally last month, K-pop entertainment stocks struggled to gain traction, weighed down by weak investor sentiment. However, analysts expect the sector to regain momentum in October, backed by government policy support, global content success, and the resumption of BTS’s world tour.
According to data from the Korea Exchange, the four major entertainment stocks posted mixed performances in September. HYBE fell 6.67% to 266,000 won, YG Entertainment declined 6.96% to 94,900 won, and SM Entertainment dropped 7.41% to 130,000 won. JYP Entertainment rose slightly by 0.54% to 74,200 won.
Even as Netflix’s K-pop-themed animation “K-Pop: Demon Hunters” gained global attention, share prices remained muted, suggesting the market has yet to fully reflect K-content’s rising global influence.
Analysts view October as a potential turning point. The Korean government recently established the Presidential Commission for Cultural Exchange, appointing J.Y. Park, founder of JYP Entertainment, as chairman — signaling stronger policy backing for the K-content industry.
Meanwhile, BTS’s gradual return and the resumption of its world tour are expected to re-energize global fandom activity and boost related revenue streams such as album sales, merchandise, concerts, and platform traffic. Industry sources predict BTS will release new music and hold a full-scale tour throughout next year, extending group activities into 2026.
YG Entertainment is also expected to post improved earnings as BLACKPINK’s world tour contributes fully to quarterly results, alongside new album releases from TREASURE and BABYMONSTER’s expanded U.S. tour. YG has also launched a “Living” merchandise line as part of its diversification strategy, further enhancing its profit structure.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
