The 2026 New Year Face-Off: BLACKPINK vs. EXO
- lewishooper1
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
January 2026 is set for a clash of titans. Can BLACKPINK and EXO return, but will their "Kings of K-pop" status be able to shape the 2026 music charts?
As the first sun of 2026 rises, the K-pop world is bracing for a monumental cultural collision that fans have dubbed the "New Year Face-Off". K-pop fans are already taking to social media with speculation surrounding this time of year, since two of the industry's leading acts are set to return to the spotlight at the same time! This has led to a frenzy of streaming and sold-out stadiums!
The Dojeon team is so excited for this comeback! Taking back the reins after focusing on their solo activities. Set to take over Tokyo Dome and Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium this January, these final shows are expected to feature a special guest and setlist, as well as including some of the members own record-breaking 2025 solo hits like Rosé's "APT." and Lisa's "Rockstar"!
EXO is officially ending their long hiatus with the release of their 8th full-length album, REVERXE, on January 19, 2026, and the Dojeon team cannot wait to listen to it! The project marks a major milestone as it reunites six members, including Lay, for a concept that explores a "rebirth" of the group's legendary supernatural lore, and what better time than the start of the year to do this! The news has sparked a frenzy online with fans speculating about what their new music will be like!
Solidifying K-Pop’s "Golden Era"
With the rise of K-pop and K-culture in more and more countries each year, there is no doubt that this is the 'golden era' when it comes to K-pop. Actually, the immense global demand for BLACKPINK's finale and EXO’s reunion is proving that the 3rd generation of K-pop remains the primary driver of international K-pop interest. The revenue that they both generate for themselves, their label, and the cities in which they perform is simply phenomenal. Can these veteran groups maintain their peak popularity even a decade after their debuts?
Fandom Pride and "Streaming Wars"
Global fan bases are celebrating the longevity of their favorites, using the #3rdGenLegends hashtag to highlight the groups' vocal and performance stability against newer rookies, which we have also written about recently. While some fans have actively been engaging in "streaming wars" to secure chart dominance for their favorite artists, many older fans are simply enjoying the nostalgia of seeing both powerhouses active at the same time, and this is the case with the Dojeon team.
Which group do you think will regain its reign in the fierce battle of the top two girl K-pop bands? Comment below and let us know!