It’s Our Moment: The Best K-Pop Songs Released in 2025

2025 was a massive year for K-pop. With the release of Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters, the music genre got a lot more mainstream attention than usual. And while many longtime K-pop lovers enjoyed the movie, it was also monumental in creating more K-pop “stans” globally. So, whether you’re a brand-new fan or have been on the scene for a while — collecting photocards, attending fansigns, et cetera — you’re ending your year listening to the best boy and girl groups.

Speaking of the best — below, we’ve put together a list of the 12 best K-pop songs released in 2025. Did your favorite comeback make the list? See if it did, then see why we picked these particular 12 below.

• Lemon Drop by ATEEZ
• Golden by HUNTR/X
• Your Idol by Saja Boys
• Spaghetti by Le Sserafim
• Ghost Girl by Yeonjun
• Gnarly by Katseye
• Do It by Stray Kids
• Scott and Zelda by BIBI
• Don’t Say You Love Me by Jin
• Like JENNIE by Jennie
• Stunner by TEN
• Rizz by XLOV

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“Lemon Drop” — ATEEZ

Focus on them! ATEEZ dropped a sizzling summer song ahead of their U.S. tour, making every concert a million degrees. “Lemon Drop” is sweeter (and steamier!) than a sauna session. It melts hearts upon every listen. Beat the chill this winter with a taste of this lead single off Golden Hour Pt. 3.

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“Golden” — HUNTR/X

Step outside your door and you’ll probably hear someone humming — or fully belting — “Golden.” Or just open your social feeds to see every dance and vocal cover. A powerful anthem about living your truth and sticking together, “Golden” by HUNTR/X is seriously one for the K-pop history books.

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“Your Idol” — Saja Boys

Of course, we couldn’t forget the fearsome Saja Boys. Taking cues from EXO’s “Mama” (among other songs from other performers), “Your Idol” is a chilling and seductive call to the dark side. If you’re tempted, go ahead and give in. We won’t judge.

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“Spaghetti” — Le Sserafim

Eat it up! Le Sserfamin’s “Spaghetti” is as confident, fun, and flirty as the group itself. The song is all about indulging — in your idols, desires, dreams, and guilty pleasures. Plus, that feature from BTS’ j-hope is scrumptious, to say the least.

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“Ghost Girl” — Yeonjun

This year’s also been stellar for solos. TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s latest album includes solo tracks by all members. The standout is “Ghost Girl” by Yeonjun, co-produced by singer/songwriter Yungblud. Haunting with hints of British pop, “Ghost Girl” is a must-listen for people who prefer a more rock-infused side of K-pop.

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“Gnarly” — Katseye

Sometimes, with music, you have to look past a few things to dig into the meat of a song. So, hear us out on this one. While the lyrics to KATSEYE’s “Gnarly” are admittedly bizarre, this beat is delicious. And the choreography and visuals devour throughout every frame of the music video.

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“Do It” — Stray Kids

Stray Kids are at their best when they’re fusing Latin and Korean music. “Do It” is a colorful, cultural party anthem perfect for a group that really shines onstage, highlighting the strengths of each performer inside each exciting verse. And the song is a call to do whatever you want to do with your life, a great reminder as we approach the new year!

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“Scott and Zelda” — BIBI

Perfect for fans of Melanie Martinez, BIBI’s sultry, glacial vocals and saccharine-sensual vibes absolutely kill in “Scott and Zelda.” With the voice and looks of an angel, and the mind and dance moves of a fallen angel, BIBI is truly mesmerizing to watch and listen to. Her entire album, EVE: ROMANCE, is worth a listen, but “Scott and Zelda” remains the most popular.

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“Don’t Say You Love Me” — Jin

Let’s slow it down a bit. Jin from BTS dropped his second solo EP in 2025, entitled Echo. Its lead single “Don’t Say You Love Me” demonstrates Jin’s extraordinary vocal abilities, while the music video showcases his acting talents. Our worldwide handsome is an all-rounder; it’s impossible not to swoon!

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“like JENNIE” — JENNIE

BLACKPINK’s member JENNIE takes the world by storm in “like JENNIE.” Cursing, rapping in a deeper voice, and dancing like her life depends on it, JENNIE eschews the doll-like stereotype often applied to girl group members. Who else got ’em obsessed like her?

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“STUNNER” — TEN

“STUNNER” was released with both Korean and English versions. No matter which one you listen to, the song is a wholly addicting earworm that stays stuck in your head for hours. And even without watching the music video, you can feel the rhythm as it flows through NCT’s TEN; of course, we expect this from such a phenomenal dancer.

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Rizz — XLOV

XLOV are truly breaking barriers when it comes to gender expression in K-pop. Fluid and free, “Rizz” embodies the flawless, effortless visuals and personalities of each member. Expect to hear this in clubs in Los Angeles and Seoul — and hopefully all around the world when K-pop finally gets the credit it deserves.

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What was your favorite 2025 K-pop release? Share your picks at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And as always, don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!