YG signaled it will spend a special year in which its flagship artists are highly active and new groups launch simultaneously, heightening anticipation among global music fans.
YG Entertainment posted '2026 YG PLAN | YG ANNOUNCEMENT' on its official blog on the 4th. Along with an interview with chief producer Yang Hyun-suk outlining this year's planned activities for affiliated artists, it revealed the roadmap for the rookie groups currently in preparation.
First, YG said in subtitles, "We are preparing a new boy group targeting fall 2026." Last year Yang Hyun-suk revealed there is a male trainee team being considered for debut and said, "We continue to study and analyze these kids. Next year I really want to launch one team." With that, YG is expected to present a new boy group for the first time in six years since TREASURE.
The outline of the four-member rookie girl group Next Monster (tentative name) also became clearer. After Ively and Chanya, who already showed finished abilities last year through performance and vocal videos, YG announced it would reveal the other two members.
In the video, YG announced Big Bang's 20th anniversary tour and the comebacks of BABYMONSTER and TREASURE. With rookie groups' debut projects being carried out alongside these activities, their cross-market impact across the K-pop market this year is expected to generate strong synergy.
Chief producer Yang Hyun-suk has worked since last year to shorten album release preparation periods and to improve internal systems aimed at continuously discovering new IPs. With all preparations complete, 2026 is expected to be the starting point for that change. YG said, "We will further refine the results we have prepared so they shine and bring you joyful news throughout the year," and added, "Please look forward to the artists who will lead a new generation."
Meanwhile, YG Entertainment confirmed it will hold Big Bang's 20th anniversary commemorative tour this year and, based on deep trust, will accompany the members as the YG family through this tour. Chief producer Yang Hyun-suk said, "All YG staff will do our best to create a perfect and excellent performance."
[Photo] YG Entertainment
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