tripleS Plans Two Full-Group Comebacks in 2026

What happens when 24 members take the stage together? tripleS just answered that question by announcing not one, but two full-group comebacks for 2026, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in K-Pop group management.

The ASSEMBLE26 Vision

On January 26 at midnight KST, tripleS officially unveiled their "ASSEMBLE26 LOVE&POP" project—an ambitious year-long campaign featuring two distinct full-group comebacks.

The first half of 2026 will see the "Love Side" promotions, where all 24 members will showcase the group's emotional and softer concepts. This will be followed by "Pop Side" in the latter half of the year, promising a more energetic and dynamic approach.

This marks a significant shift for tripleS, who have primarily operated through subunits since their debut. Groups like EVOlution, ARIA, and +(KR)ystal Eyes have allowed individual members to shine, but full-group activities have been relatively rare—making this announcement all the more significant.

Redefining K-Pop Group Dynamics

Twenty-four members isn't just a large number—it's unprecedented territory in K-Pop. Compare this to established groups: TWICE has 9 members, aespa has 4, and even the legendary Girls' Generation peaked at 9. We're talking about a completely different scale of operation.

The logistical challenges alone are staggering. Stage formations, line distributions, individual screen time, choreography complexity—every aspect of traditional K-Pop promotion needs to be reimagined. How do you ensure each member gets meaningful participation without creating chaos?

MODHAUS, tripleS's agency, has been experimenting with this concept through their blockchain-based fan voting system and rotating subunit structure. But bringing all 24 members together for sustained promotional activities? That's uncharted territory.

For international fans, this raises questions about individual member recognition. K-Pop fandoms are built on personal connections with specific members. Can a 24-member group maintain that intimacy, or will it become more about the collective experience?

Industry Implications

This move runs counter to recent K-Pop trends. Over the past few years, agencies have generally favored smaller groups for their efficiency and individual member marketability. NewJeans has 5 members, IVE has 6, aespa has 4—the industry seemed to be embracing the "less is more" philosophy.

tripleS is betting on the opposite. Their success or failure will likely influence how other agencies approach group formation in the future. If 24-member promotions prove commercially viable, we might see a return to larger group concepts. If not, it could reinforce the current trend toward smaller, more manageable lineups.

The fan response has been overwhelmingly positive so far. WAVs (tripleS fans) have been requesting full-group activities since the group's debut, having grown attached to individual members through subunit promotions. The anticipation for seeing all their favorites together is palpable.

The Global Test

Beyond the K-Pop bubble, this experiment could influence how global audiences perceive group-based entertainment. Western music markets have traditionally favored solo artists or small bands. Can a 24-member group translate internationally, or will it remain a uniquely K-Pop phenomenon?

The timing is interesting too. As K-Pop continues its global expansion, tripleS is pushing the envelope on what makes the genre unique—its ability to create spectacle and community around large-scale group dynamics.