The 25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2025 (So Far): Critic’s Picks

A kaleidoscope of sonic innovations and bold lyrical statements, K-pop songs in 2025 have already proven to be a year where artists’ confidence in their sound and messages has an unmistakable, unshakable boldness.

Acts like JENNIE, IVE, NMIXX, ONEW, BBGIRLS, STAYC and ALLDAY PROJECT flip the scripts on stardom, stereotypes and social expectations with anthems that are as empowering to listen to as they undoubtedly are for the artists to sing. Meanwhile, groups like SHINee, SEVENTEEN, DAY6, ATEEZ, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, JUSTB, ONE PACT, MEOVV, and KickFlip saw their members contributing across production, arrangement and lyrics to craft undeniable messages and sounds.

Zooming in, newly debuted acts like KickFlip and CLOSE YOUR EYES have churned out earworm hooks and unexpected genre dives, staking their claim alongside fellow next-generation boy bands like ZEROBASEONE and ONE PACT, ushering in a promising wave of male groups on the horizon. Elsewhere, rising female troupes like H1-KEY, MEOVV, and RESCENE demonstrate how new girl groups continue to set new trends with pristine soundscapes.

Moreover, beloved artists like ITZY leader YEJI and NCT superstar MARK secured their solo debuts to demonstrate new sides of their artistry, as the former leaned into her passion for dance, while the latter offered up an experimental, multifaceted musical exploration of his life. Both artists offered new ways for audiences to connect with them on a more personal level and crafted compelling records all their own.

With so many musical achievements from the K-pop industry already this year, which songs stand tallest among the best? Billboard‘s 25 best K-pop songs released in 2025 so far are below.