K-pop ETFs Plunge 30-41% in First Half of 2026, Show Rebound Signs on July 7

According to Korean Stock Exchange data, K-pop-related ETFs fell 30-41% in the first half of 2026 (January 2-July 6), making them the worst-performing equity ETF theme. ACE KPOP FOCUS dropped 32.51%, TIGER Media Content fell 41.65%, and HANARO Fn K-POP & Media declined 34.74%, as all three held 45-95% allocation to major entertainment companies HYBE, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and YG Entertainment. HYBE stock fell 32.94%, SM declined 38.14%, JYP fell 29.81%, and YG dropped 37.21%, outpacing broader market weakness.

On July 7, K-pop ETFs rebounded as semiconductor stocks corrected. ACE KPOP FOCUS gained 4.51% that day and rose 11.90% over the past week, while HANARO Fn K-POP & Media climbed 4.17% daily and 11.05% weekly. Industry experts attributed the rebound to valuations reaching deep discount levels, with expectations that second-half artist activities and concerts could drive earnings momentum.