Is BTS really coming to India? HYBE’s Mumbai office plan sparks concert hopes

The excitement among Indian K-pop fans has reached new heights following a Yonhap News report that HYBE, the South Korean agency behind global sensations like BTS, TXT, Seventeen, and Le Sserafim, is exploring plans to establish its first office in India. The potential move, aimed at expanding the company’s international footprint, could mark a historic moment for K-pop’s presence in the country.

Though nothing is officially confirmed, HYBE’s reported interest in Mumbai has intensified hopes for a BTS concert in India — a long-cherished dream for millions of Desi ARMYs. With the group’s reunion expected this June after completing their military service, and a rumoured world tour in 2026, many fans believe this could finally be the moment India lands on the K-pop map in a big way.

Why Mumbai, and why now?

According to sources cited by Yonhap on May 9, HYBE is reportedly considering setting up operations in Mumbai, making it the company’s first direct entry into the Indian entertainment market. If materialised, this move would place India alongside countries like the United States, Japan, and those in Latin America, where HYBE already has active offices.

A representative from HYBE noted that the company is “continuously doing market research in various regions,” adding that the Mumbai office is not yet a confirmed decision. Still, industry observers view India as an emerging hotspot for international entertainment, citing its population of over 1.4 billion and a median age of 28.2 years.

Global consulting firm PwC projects India’s entertainment and media industry will grow from ₹2.45 trillion in 2023 to ₹3.45 trillion by 2028, marking a steady 8.3% annual growth rate. The EY-FICCI M&E report from March 2025 echoes this sentiment, forecasting India’s live entertainment sector to hit ₹167 billion by 2027. Clearly, HYBE sees the country as fertile ground for expansion.

India’s growing K-pop appetite

While K-pop exploded in Western markets years ago, India has often been left on the sidelines when it comes to large-scale concerts by Korean artists. Infrastructure limitations and low physical album sales previously kept major groups like BTS and BLACKPINK from touring in the country.

But the tide appears to be turning. Over the past two years, Indian audiences have welcomed a growing number of K-pop stars — including Suho, Chen, Xiumin, Hyolyn, BamBam, Jackson Wang, and B.I — with overwhelming enthusiasm. The successful reception of these solo acts has signalled to the industry that India is not just ready but eager for more.

A BTS performance, however, would be on another level entirely. The septet — Jin, Jimin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Taehyung, and Jungkook — remains unmatched in their fanbase in India. Even without any official activities in the region, BTS enjoys immense popularity across cities, towns, and digital platforms alike.

Beyond BTS: What HYBE’s India entry could mean

While the possibility of a BTS concert is creating waves, the bigger picture suggests more lasting change. HYBE’s potential office in Mumbai could pave the way for deeper collaborations and even new music initiatives. As seen with HYBE America’s launch of KATSEYE, the company is increasingly investing in diverse global markets with localised talent.

The Indian market could also witness more cross-cultural exchanges. Recently, a signed album from TXT gifted to Indian singer Armaan Malik stirred widespread speculation about a possible collaboration. His tweet thanking HYBE sparked excitement online, with fans eager to see more such pair-ups.

Notably, India has already hosted international artists like Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, and Travis Scott. This proves the country has the infrastructure and audience capacity for mega-scale music events. With HYBE showing serious interest, there’s growing belief that K-pop concerts in India will no longer be niche or small-scale affairs.

As fans continue to speculate and hope, the question remains: Will BTS finally perform in India? While HYBE is yet to make anything official, the signs are promising. And if the stars align — literally and figuratively — Desi ARMYs may soon get to witness their idols live on home turf.