The 25 best K-pop songs of 2025

NME Best K-pop Songs of 2025 [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BEST-K-POP-SONGS-2025-HERO.jpg]

BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS is a seven–member South Korean boy group known for their powerful performances, self-produced music, and global impact across pop and hip-hop. and BLACKPINK BLACKPINK K-POP GROUP BLACKPINK is a four-member global girl group known for their high-energy performances, luxury fashion influence, and record-breaking music videos. took K-pop to new heights in the 2020s when they broke through to the mainstream and went global with their pandemic-era-defining hits. This year, an unlikely new force expanded the scene’s cultural footprint further, with Netflix sensation KPop Demon Hunters taking over our screens – and hits from its soundtrack, like ‘Golden’ and ‘Soda Pop’, dominating streaming and music charts.

But as inescapable as KPop Demon Hunters was, the last 12 months also saw lots more from the world of K-pop. There were the stunning debuts of exciting new groups such as CORTIS and Hearts2Hearts, fresh solo music by beloved veteran idols (SHINee’s Key, ARTMS’ Kim Lip, and more), as well as a well-deserved comeback story by a once-divisive girl group. Here are the songs that made 2025 a blast for K-pop.

Ziwei Puah, Associate Commissioning Editor (Music)

Words by: Carmen Chin, Daniel Anderson, George Yang, Ivana E. Morales, Mika exo EXO K-POP GROUP EXO is a globally influential K-pop boy group known for powerful vocals, polished performances, and a strong legacy in modern K-pop. Since debuting in 2012, EXO has shaped the sound and visuals of an entire generation. /chen" class="kpa-star-link" data-entity-type="star" data-entity-slug="chen" data-group-slug=" exo EXO K-POP GROUP EXO is a globally influential K-pop boy group known for powerful vocals, polished performances, and a strong legacy in modern K-pop. Since debuting in 2012, EXO has shaped the sound and visuals of an entire generation. "> Chen , Rhian Daly, Sara Delgado, Tamar Herman, Tássia Assis and Ziwei Puah

CORTIS, photo by Big Hit Music [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/25-CORTIS-CREDIT-BIG-HIT-MUSIC@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: Big Hit Music

25. CORTIS – ‘GO!’

Taking a page out of BTS BTS K-POP GROUP BTS is a seven–member South Korean boy group known for their powerful performances, self-produced music, and global impact across pop and hip-hop. ’ playbook, CORTIS are all about standing out from the crowd and being rebellious, which is perfectly encapsulated in the striking, trap-infused ‘Go!’. With lines like “we don’t need any other sign” and “soon as I see the signal, I go swish like a free throw”, CORTIS ooze unwavering confidence, letting everyone know that they’re ready to take the world by storm. GY

Yeji, photo by JYP Entertainment [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/24-YEJI-CREDIT-JYP-ENTERTAINMENT@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: JYP Entertainment

24. YEJI – ‘AIR’

Yeji’s solo debut was one of 2025’s most satisfying surprises. Over dark electro beats, the ITZY leader plays with the idea of being breathless and enjoying it, conveying this tension with a vulnerability that becomes more intense as the song moves toward its climax. And just when it feels like it might settle, a searing electric guitar kicks in, sending ‘Air’ into its dazzling final form. TA

izna, photo by WakeOne [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/23-IZNA-CREDIT-WAKEONE@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: WakeOne

23. IZNA – ‘RACECAR’

A road trip under a sunset calls for a very specific set of emotions: joyful nostalgia, freedom, and days bathed in possibility. And ‘Racecar’ is the perfect soundtrack for just such an occasion. The song feels like a wave of sonic dopamine that builds until it all releases during its non-vocal chorus of magnetic synths. And just when it seems ready to relent, the production grows richer and pulls you deeper into the group’s dream-lit world. IEM

BOYNEXTDOOR, photo by KOZ Entertainment [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/22-BOYNEXTDOOR-CREDIT-KOZ-ENTERTAINMENT@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: KOZ Entertainment

22. BOYNEXTDOOR – ‘IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU’

Buoyed by funky guitar riffs and groovy synths to conceal its woebegone lyrics, BOYNEXTDOOR’s bubbly, anime soundtrack-worthy single ‘If I Say, I Love You’ is their take on the quintessential heartbreak song. It doubles down on the boyband’s knack for telling coming-of-age narratives with boyish charm, but this time with a bittersweet undertone that makes it that much more dynamic. SD

RESCENE, photo by The Muze Entertainment [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/21-RESCENE-CREDIT-THE-MUZE-ENTERTAINMENT@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: The Muze Entertainment

21. RESCENE – ‘GLOW UP’

In a trend-chasing industry like K-pop, it can be hard to establish an identity of your own – but RESCENE have sidestepped that pitfall by carving out a soft, reflective space that’s equal parts breezy, nostalgic, and electrifying. It all comes together on ‘Glow Up’, a bubbly dance-pop tune that’s contemporary enough for the mainstream, yet unique enough to be recognisably them. ZWP

Balming Tiger, photo by Chanhee Hong [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/20-BALMING-TIGER-CREDIT-TBC@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: Chanhee Hong

20. BALMING TIGER – ‘WO AI NI’ FT. YAEJI

‘Wo Ai Ni’ is a global love opus that playfully mixes Yaeji’s feathery vocals with Balming Tiger’s trademark eclectic composition, mixing alt-pop, hip-hop, electronic and indie influences. Its accompanying music video, directed by member Jan’ Qui, maximises the heartwarming energy of the chillwave track with joyful fan-submitted footage, and cameos from Balming Tiger’s and Yaeji’s loved ones. SD

bigbang BIGBANG K-POP GROUP BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treate /g-dragon" class="kpa-star-link" data-entity-type="star" data-entity-slug="g-dragon" data-group-slug=" bigbang BIGBANG K-POP GROUP BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treate "> G-Dragon , photo by Galaxy Corporation [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/19- bigbang BIGBANG K-POP GROUP BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treate /g-dragon" class="kpa-star-link" data-entity-type="star" data-entity-slug="g-dragon" data-group-slug=" bigbang BIGBANG K-POP GROUP BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treate "> G-DRAGON -CREDIT-GALAXY-CORPORATION@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: Galaxy Corporation

19. G–DRAGON – ‘TOO BAD’ FT. ANDERSON PAAK.

The highlight of bigbang BIGBANG K-POP GROUP BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treate /g-dragon" class="kpa-star-link" data-entity-type="star" data-entity-slug="g-dragon" data-group-slug=" bigbang BIGBANG K-POP GROUP BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treate "> G-Dragon ’s big comeback album, ‘Too Bad’ finds the Big Bang rapper in a state of romantic confusion. “Is this flirting? Or just bluffing?” he asks over a light-footed funk groove, before Anderson .Paak declares the person at the heart of the puzzle “too bad for me”. RD

ILLIT, photo by Belift Lab [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/18-ILLIT-CREDIT-BELIFT-LAB@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: Belift Lab

18. ILLIT – ‘JELLYOUS’

It’s so joyous when contemporary K-pop acts wholly embrace the kitsch and camp that made the genre’s past so special – and that’s exactly what makes ‘Jellyous’ such a standout. On the dizzying, chiptune-driven song, ILLIT merge their cheery, high-octane sound with old-school K-pop corniness to create an unforgettable, sparkling earworm for the ages. ZWP

ENHYPEN, photo by Belift Lab [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/17-ENHYPEN-CREDIT-BELIFT-LAB@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: Belift Lab

17. ENHYPEN – ‘HELIUM’

With its uplifting alt-rock sound, ‘Helium’ translates the lightheaded, dizzy feeling of being in love and believing anything is possible. The softness of ENHYPEN’s voices and lyrics contrasts with gritty guitar riffs and heavier beats, giving the track a bittersweet, cinematic feel. Much like love, ‘Helium’ makes you feel larger than life. TA

Yves, photo by Paix Per Mil [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/16-YVES-CREDIT-PAIX-PER-MIL@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: Paix Per Mil

16. YVES – ‘WHITE CAT’

Yves’ solo career so far has been defined by effortlessly addictive electronic pop gems, and with ‘White Cat’, she added another entry to that growing arsenal. This time, things took a slightly surreal spin, the song’s earworm chorus finding the star sharing: “I got body made of fur / Can’t be better than tonight”. RD

ARTMS, photo by Modhaus [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/15-ARTMS-CREDIT-MODHAUS@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: Modhaus

15. ARTMS – ‘ICARUS’

‘Icarus’ is ARTMS soaring upwards with unfettered force – a theatrical anthem that retells its mythic namesake not as a cautionary tale, but as a promise: that falling can remake you. Pianos gleam and strings billow as breathy vocals weave through luminous synths, forming a classical-crossover masterpiece. It stands out both as catharsis and triumph – a reminder that even after the flames subside, you can still be “reborn like a phoenix wing”. MC

Hearts2Hearts, photo by SM Entertainment [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/14-HEARTS2HEARTS-CREDIT-SM-ENTERTAINMENT@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: SM Entertainment

14. HEARTS2HEARTS – ‘STYLE’

Hearts2Hearts bottles up all the pop-and-golden magic of summer into the carefree verve of ‘Style.’ This delightful piece is all positive energy, built upon bubblegum pop foundations, lyrics about the thrill of a youthful crush, bolstered by the girl group’s honeyed vocals. The eight-member group may sing “Baby, you make me smile”, but they’re the ones giving us butterflies. IEM

Kim Lip, photo by Modhaus [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/13-KIM-LIP-CREDIT-MODHAUS@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: Modhaus

13. KIM LIP – ‘CAN YOU ENTERTAIN?’

A retro-futuristic knockout that’s unreservedly sculpted for the dancefloor, ‘Can You Entertain?’ – with its deep funk basslines, sheen of nu-disco and alluring vocal performance – is an immersive, hypnotic pull that draws you in before you even realise it. Kim Lip has always been a charismatic performer, but with her first solo release in nearly a decade, she demands your fullest attention. CC

Dayoung, credit Starship Entertainment [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/12-DAYOUNG-CREDIT-STARSHIP-ENTERTAINMENT@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: Starship Entertainment

12. DAYOUNG – ‘BODY’

Dayoung has never been one to go down without a fight, and ‘Body’ is the result of her resilience. A flirtatious summer pop song that sparkles like sunlight at dusk, it recalls the radiant energy of K-pop summers past with a modern polish that makes it stand out in its own right. But it’s the WJSN member’s infectious passion for the stage, coupled with the track’s addictive hook, that has earned her a well-deserved spot beneath the limelight. CC

BLACKPINK BLACKPINK K-POP GROUP BLACKPINK is a four-member global girl group known for their high-energy performances, luxury fashion influence, and record-breaking music videos. , photo by YG Entertainment [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/11- BLACKPINK BLACKPINK K-POP GROUP BLACKPINK is a four-member global girl group known for their high-energy performances, luxury fashion influence, and record-breaking music videos. -CREDIT-TBC@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: YG Entertainment

11. BLACKPINK BLACKPINK K-POP GROUP BLACKPINK is a four-member global girl group known for their high-energy performances, luxury fashion influence, and record-breaking music videos. – ‘JUMP’

After several years MIA, BLACKPINK BLACKPINK K-POP GROUP BLACKPINK is a four-member global girl group known for their high-energy performances, luxury fashion influence, and record-breaking music videos. returned with panache with the club-ready ‘Jump’, which finds the ever-charismatic quartet leaping across propulsive horns and beats in hardstyle glory. There’s a visceral sense of movement as the track progresses towards the entrancing outro, as the girl group crank up the bass to earth-shattering levels to keep you on the dancefloor. TH

KiiiKiii, photo by Starship Entertainment [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/10-KIIIKIII-CREDIT-STARSHIP-ENTERTAINMENT@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: Starship Entertainment

10. KIIIKIII – ‘DANCING ALONE’

If you could bottle the ache of bittersweet nostalgia, you’d get KiiiKiii’s ‘Dancing Alone’. The act of dancing alone becomes, in their hands, a quiet bond: tender glances, memories and unspoken understandings of friendship. Shimmering hooks and unrelenting synths that take cues from the ’80s burst at the seams, reframing solitude as something shared. And the cherry on top? Playful feel-good choreography that nails dorky dramatics meant just for your bedroom mirror. MC

LE SSERAFIM LE SSERAFIM K-POP GROUP LE SSERAFIM is a five-member girl group known for confident, performance-driven concepts and strong stage presence. , photo by Source Music [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/09-LE-SSERAFIM-CREDIT-SOURCE-MUSIC@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: Source Music

9. LE SSERAFIM LE SSERAFIM K-POP GROUP LE SSERAFIM is a five-member girl group known for confident, performance-driven concepts and strong stage presence. – ‘ASH’

‘Ash’ feels like entering an ethereal plane that can only be found in the liminal space between dreams and nightmares. Haunting yet divine, it drifts on lustral harmonies brought to life by the quintet’s falsettos and lingering notes, one that mends pain into a virtuous metamorphosis. As the enduring girl group ascend like phoenixes, ‘Ash’ forges itself as a canticle of resilience and renewal. DA

ATEEZ ATEEZ K-POP GROUP ATEEZ is an eight-member K-pop boy group known for powerful performances, intense choreography, and a strong global fanbase. Since debuting in 2018, they have built a reputation for cinematic concepts and commanding stag , photo by KQ Entertainment [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/08- ATEEZ ATEEZ K-POP GROUP ATEEZ is an eight-member K-pop boy group known for powerful performances, intense choreography, and a strong global fanbase. Since debuting in 2018, they have built a reputation for cinematic concepts and commanding stag -CREDIT-KQ-ENTERTAINMENT@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: KQ Entertainment

8. ATEEZ ATEEZ K-POP GROUP ATEEZ is an eight-member K-pop boy group known for powerful performances, intense choreography, and a strong global fanbase. Since debuting in 2018, they have built a reputation for cinematic concepts and commanding stag – ‘IN YOUR FANTASY’

‘In Your Fantasy’ is a saucy, steamy, bewitching ritual where ATEEZ ATEEZ K-POP GROUP ATEEZ is an eight-member K-pop boy group known for powerful performances, intense choreography, and a strong global fanbase. Since debuting in 2018, they have built a reputation for cinematic concepts and commanding stag embody their inner Christian Grey in order to fulfil the listener’s darkest dreams: “Yeah, I know what you into / Baby got a type / Yeah, I could be gentle / But that ain’t what you like,” ateez ATEEZ K-POP GROUP ATEEZ is an eight-member K-pop boy group known for powerful performances, intense choreography, and a strong global fanbase. Since debuting in 2018, they have built a reputation for cinematic concepts and commanding stag /yunho" class="kpa-star-link" data-entity-type="star" data-entity-slug="yunho" data-group-slug=" ateez ATEEZ K-POP GROUP ATEEZ is an eight-member K-pop boy group known for powerful performances, intense choreography, and a strong global fanbase. Since debuting in 2018, they have built a reputation for cinematic concepts and commanding stag "> Yunho sings in the opening verse. The boyband are in control – even if they want you to think otherwise – and by the time they whisper “I’ll set you free from your sanity”, it’s already too late. TA

NMIXX, photo by JYP Entertainment [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07-NMIXX-CREDIT-JYP-ENTERTAINMENT@1200x1200.jpg]Credit: JYP Entertainment

7. NMIXX – ‘HIGH HORSE’

An elegant trip-hop track built around a deceptively simple piano melody, ‘High Horse’ is driven by the harmonious, powerful voices of the girl group’s six members as they shift between soft balladry to lilting deadpan to rousing belts that stir the soul. NMIXX’s name represents their ability to blend d