What the HECK is HYBE Right Now?

With K-pop company HYBE being under fire for so many things right now, it may be difficult to catch up with the content being pushed out. Lucky for you, we are high schoolers with an obsession. Here are all the comebacks and news from HYBE groups that you need to know today!

(1) New Hiatus 

ILLIT (Mahlani): ILLIT’s Moka has been announced to officially be on hiatus on April 20, 2026 to focus on her health and well-being, as stated by HYBE. The company also informed that Moka was advised to take a break from group activities after undergoing medical treatment for health issues, but will continue group activities once she is rested and healthy. Moka has been doing her best to remain active, going on other members’ Weverse lives, attending group concerts, and even doing dance challenges with her members.

(2) Comebacks!

&TEAM (Leann): As someone who has stanned &Team since I discovered who K was, I put a lot of hope into their comeback as it came out on April 21, 2026, in the midsts of many people leaving their group (I was devastatingly mourning Heeseung), and I was somewhat disappointed. In no means was &Team’s comeback “We on Fire” a terrible comeback, but it didn’t impact me as much as their past comebacks have, such as “Blind” and “Bring Me Back to Life”. One thing that I think “We on Fire” missed as a title track is that it didn’t have that one moment where the song hit, it felt unusually mellow for an &Team song, which is my stance with “Hotline” and  “Sakura-iro Yell” as well. “Bewitched” on the other hand was clearly the group trying something new, a little more rock and noisy, which I enjoyed more than I thought I would. Overall, I couldn’t tell what their concept was with this comeback so I rate it a 6/10, good but could have been better.

TOMORROW X TOGETHER (LiLi): TXT’s newest comeback, 7TH YEAR: A Moment of Stillness in the Thorns, feels more emotional and reflective than their past albums. Instead of only focusing on catchy songs, it explores themes of growing up, change, and self-reflection. The title track, Stick With You, stands out with its soft but powerful vibe, catchy chorus, and dreamy instrumental. Bed of Thorns brings a darker, raw emotion with the lyrics about pressure and fear, while 21st Century Romance adds a lighter, nostalgic balance to the album. Overall, the album shows TXT’s growth as artists and connects its themes in a meaningful way.

KATSEYE: Pinky Up came out on April 9, 2026, as a stand-alone single. 

(Mahlani & Kaia): We thought that it was a catchy song, but the lyrics are what make the song somewhat out of place for us.  Lately, KATSEYE has been more into fast songs that trend rather than songs that people might perceive as more lyric focused. The song wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t up to the level that the members of KATSEYE are capable of; since many, if not all, of the members are amazing vocalists. Choreo-wise, it is also random and “cheesy” in a way, but suits the “pinkies up” vibe of the song. Musically, the song has some nice dance pop elements to it, with a jersey club genre that makes the song more fun. Pinky Up is just a fast production of a song that is mainly focused on trends and choreography. The song might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it grew on us after a couple of listens.  

ILLIT: Mamihlapinatapai 4th mini album came out April 30, 2026. 

(Kaia): Starting with “GRWM”, it has a minimalistic catchy vibe and I like how the sound is more chill in contrast to the second track. “It’s Me” started to grow on me the more I listened. At first it had an annoyingly catchy sound to it, and it still does. For me, “Love, older you” is a bit slow of course compared to the rest of the album. Although I don’t like it as much, I don’t mind it either because it’s more vocal-based, which is nice. It has a more emotional tone and “K-pop ballad” mood which makes it stand out. The third track “paw, paw!” is very different and has a “TikTok trendy dance audio” sound to it with the sped-up vocal effects, which builds off the catchy sound they are trying to create. Some songs took adjusting, so I had no strong opinions for this album. I don’t have a favorite either as they all have their own sort of sub-genre within their hyperpop genre, but if I had to choose one, it would be “Mamilahpinatapai”. I enjoyed this one because it acts as a break from the super energetic sounds of the previous tracks, while still being catchy, but not earwormy. It is also more pop/synth-rock, which I appreciate. It was nice to hear them cover various music styles and I’m curious to see the direction they’ll go next.  

CORTIS: 2nd EP GREENGREEN came out May 4. 

(LiLi & Kaia): GREENGREEN by CORTIS is a fun and energetic album that also has emotional and reflective moments. The chaotic but confident vibe makes the album feel creative and genuine, like CORTIS isn’t afraid to try new things. For the title track, REDRED, we noticed it immediately stood out with its Morse code intro, loud beat, funny lyrics, and catchy chorus. So we were somewhat expecting the same for the rest of the album and mainly had high hopes. YOUNGCREATORCREW adds raw and personal feelings, while Blue Lips slows things down with a softer, emotional sound and meaningful lyrics about dreams and personal struggles. Although that song was different, we liked how they were able to add an introspective song in there, as most people like a balance between upbeat and slower songs. Overall, the album feels creative, emotional, and full of personality. Even though some songs took a couple listens to fully get and enjoy, CORTIS proved they’re willing to take risks and stand out. We liked how they were able to highlight their creative expression through the metaphors and symbolism in each of the six songs. They stayed true to their expressive style, keeping their music freestyle and fun. CORTIS’s lyricism always impresses us and it’s cool to interpret the different meanings in each of their songs. All in all, we thought this was a really fun album.

LE SSERAFIM: Set to release new album Pureflow Pt. 1 on May 22 after their new single, CELEBRATION, came out April 24.

(Mahlani & Kaia): We thought that the song was a very edgy step for LE SSERAFIM. The choreography was definitely a newer style for the members, but it made everything much more interesting. We appreciate the many directions stylistically that they are going, as well as all of the catchy and fun moments too. We thought it was okay initially, but as we listened more, it honestly is a vibe. We are excited to see what their new album will be all about and where LE SERRAFIM will go next. 

(3) Tours!

• BTS (Kaia): It’s been about two months now since BTS officially made their comeback on March 20, releasing their full-length album, Arirang. This album highlights their cultural roots and identity with a sample of a Korean folk song, “Arirang” in their first track “Body to Body” and also with “No. 29” which is a bell that pays respects to their heritage. Their whole album topped the charts and has even made history to be the first artist to secure all 14 songs on their album at the Top 14 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. I can confidently say that ARIRANG has been one of the best albums I’ve ever listened to. As I started really stanning BTS this year, I’ve always liked their music but I’ve only been a casual fan. Now that they’ve released their new album, I’ve been listening to it nonstop. The first half of the album is more of a party music vibe, while the second half is calmer which is a nice touch. Every song is so unique and has its own “genre”, which makes it so special and proof of the dedication that was put into all 14 songs. An important element I admire is the cultural reference to the “Arirang” folk song and the meanings behind their Korean lyrics, which represents their cultural pride, resilience, and unity. Considering all these factors just broadens my appreciation for the album. Especially after ARMYs have waited four years for them, in my opinion, BTS has made the comeback of the year so far. 

• Katseye at Coachella + Manon situation + Tour (Mahlani): KATSEYE performed at Coachella on April 10 and 17, with only five members performing, which was surprising since Manon’s hiatus was supposed to end on April 10th, the first day of Coachella. They kicked off their set with “Pinky Up”, which released only a day prior, then continued with “Mean Girls” and “Touch”. But to everyone’s surprise, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami came on stage to sing “Golden” from Kpop Demon Hunters with the members. Later, the girls performed songs from their Beautiful Chaos album and ended with “My Way” to wrap up their setlist. What was surprising and rather upsetting for fans, was that Manon was seen to be in the crowd on both days that KATSEYE performed, even going as far as to be on stage with PinkPantheress; Daniela Avanzini was seen to be in the crowd watching the performance with almost unshed tears in her eyes. On May 13, 2026, KATSEYE announced that they will be touring in 2026 in several countries. The only issue is that in the official photo, only 5 of the 6 members are pictured…Leaving fans to question whether KATSEYE will continue as a six-member group, and if Manon will return. 

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ENHYPEN “Blood Saga” Tour (Leann): Following their line up change, the now six-member group launched their “Blood Saga” tour on May 1, 2026, with many scandals erupting such as OT6 fans physically attacking OT7 fans, who support Heeseung’s returning to the group, during the concert. Many clips of the members getting emotional during songs that signify their group bond, such as “Shout Out”, has gone viral within the fandom as many continue to mourn and demand for Heeseung, whose solo debut has been confirmed to be in June.