By Kaylei Smith
The K-pop genre has exploded in popularity in the last year. With iconic English releases from global girl groups such as KATSEYE to the earworm that is the “K-Pop Demon Hunters” soundtrack, 2025 has been a huge year for the K-pop industry on the international stage. From unexpected solo releases to albums showcasing groups’ whole dichotomy, here are my top 25 K-pop album and extended play (EP) releases for 2025.
25. poppop by NCT WISH
“poppop” is the epitome of upbeat boy group music in 2025. The mini album experiments slightly, but not to the point of being jarring, creating enjoyable surprises and iconic moments throughout the album, such as member Riku’s iconic moment singing the song “1000.” The album’s lead single “poppop,” draws from East Coast club influences, being an unapologetically loud and upbeat song. B-sides such as “Design” and “Still 3PM” continue the upbeat vibes throughout the album but in a more relaxing way to not bombard the listener, making the album a fun and energetic experience throughout without being draining.
24. Glow to Haze by KANGDANIEL
“Glow to Haze” turns heartache into art through its beautiful production and lyricism. The EP’s lead single, “Episode” continues this exploration of love seen throughout the album, creating an EP full of yearning that is surprisingly upbeat for the concepts of love explored.
23. Soft Error : X by Yves
Released as a special version of “Soft Error,” “Soft Error : X” continues to prove Yves’s distinct position in the K-pop industry. Originally debuting as a member of LOONA in 2018 and as a soloist in 2024, Yves continues to release music that shapes her identity, one that does not conform her to the K-pop idol mold. The EP’s lead single “Soap (feat. PinkPantheress),” is an Atlanta bass-inspired song that encapsulates Yves’s enchanting vocals perfectly. B-sides like “Aibo (feat. Bratty)” and “White cat” are upbeat songs, while “Do you feel it like i touch” and “mom” show a hauntingly beautiful side to Yves’s production style.
22. NEVER SAY NEVER by ZEROBASEONE
Debuting from the MNET survival program “BOYS PLANET,” “NEVER SAY NEVER” is ZEROBASEONE’s first full album. With funky beats that keep you in an upbeat mood, such as the album’s lead single “ICONIK” and “Goosebumps”; beautifully nostalgic songs like “Star Eyes,” with beats reminiscent of the group’s days on “BOYS PLANET”; and emotional songs like “I Know U Know,” the album takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. However, the tracks’ organization hinders the potential of the album with jarring transitions from powerful and loud anthems such as “SLAM DUNK” to alluring tracks like “Lovesick Game,” distracting slightly from the listening experience.
21. HAPPY BURSTDAY by SEVENTEEN
Released in May 2025, “HAPPY BURSTDAY” is a whirlwind of emotion. The album starts out with three upbeat songs by the 13-member group, with “THUNDER” serving as the upbeat and synth-filled lead single. Following these are 13 solo songs from each member of the group, exploring their individual dichotomy as soloists and as members of SEVENTEEN. Solos such as “Skyfall (THE 8 Solo),” “Shining Star (Vernon Solo),” and “Jungle (S.COUPS Solo)” bring each of the members’ individual strengths to the stage, allowing them a moment to shine in this album.
20. DUH! by P1Harmony
“DUH!” is a release that perfectly encapsulates the noisy hip hop-inspired beats that P1Harmony is known for, along with b-sides that showcase P1Harmony’s experimentation into different genres. “Pretty Boy” is a sensual and yearning song, while “Flashy” is a powerful anthem, perfectly encapsulating P1Harmony’s dichotomy with each release alongside the EP’s lead single, “DUH!.”
19. WHO WE ARE by AHOF
Debuting in July 2025 from the SBS survival program “Universe League,” AHOF’s debut mini album “WHO WE ARE” expresses exactly who AHOF is. With relaxing b-sides such as “The Little Star” and “The Universe” to powerfully nostalgic songs like “Cosmic Underdog” and the album’s lead single “Rendezvous,” “WHO WE ARE” is a perfect experience that introduces AHOF to the K-pop genre and leaves listeners eager for future releases.
18. Glow Up by RESCENE
“Glow Up” is a dreamcore-inspired EP that perfects the dreamcore aesthetic that has seemed to take over the K-pop industry this year. The EP’s light and cutesy songs fit the dreamcore aesthetic perfectly, with the EP’s lead single, “Glow Up,” being an upbeat but relaxing take on the genre.
17. BLUE PARADISE by ZEROBASEONE
Released prior to “NEVER SAY NEVER,” “BLUE PARADISE” is the type of album that perfectly encapsulates ZEROBASEONE’s style of music, one that feels light and flowing, heavily influenced by different types of pop subgenres. The EP’s lead single, “BLUE,” an electropop-inspired song, perfects the charm of what ZEROBASEONE’s music is. B-sides like “Out of Love” and “Doctor! Doctor!” showcase the loving feeling the album brings, exploring the different ways love affects us.
16. Blue Valentine by NMIXX
With the release of their album “Blue Valentine,” NMIXX continues to explore many genres in just one release. The album’s lead single, “Blue Valentine,” features pop rock and synth-pop influences while b-sides such as “Reality Hurts” and “RICO” draw influence from future pop and reggaeton, respectively.
However, the final track, “O.O Part 2 (Superhero),” is weighed down by the pressure of trying to take a 57-second section of a song and remix it into one that’s two minutes longer, resulting in a repetitive song that makes the album unsatisfying to end on.
15. STUNNER by TEN
First debuting in NCT in the first sub-unit, NCT U, in 2016, and later in the group’s China-based unit, WayV, TEN has had plenty of time to explore what many NCT fans would call the “neo sound,” an unapologetically experimental and genre-blending style of music many NCT songs are known for. However, TEN takes this a step further with his second mini album, “STUNNER.” The album’s pre-release single, “BAMBOLA,” perfectly encapsulates the “neo sound” with quirky electronic elements and fast-paced raps, while the lead single, “STUNNER,” is a charming pop- and R&B-inspired song with the beautiful vocals that TEN is known for. The album continues this alluring experimental trend through b-sides such as “Enough For Me” and “Sweet As Sin,” creating a beautiful experience when listening to the mini album in full.
14. Only cry in the rain by CHUU
Released in April 2025, “Only cry in the rain” perfectly showcases that April showers feelings of melancholy and hope. The EP’s lead single, “Only cry in the rain” is a synthpop song that evokes a bright yet nostalgic feeling further explored in the EP, while b-sides like “Back in town” and “Kiss a kitty” bring bright feelings through funk and nu disco inspirations respectfully.
13. HER by MINNIE
Debuting as a member of i-dle in 2018, MINNIE officially debuted her first mini album, “HER,” in January of 2025. The album starts with the sensual vocals in “Blind Eyes Red” before moving to the sexy and confident lead single “HER.” The EP features fellow i-dle member YUQI on the track “Drive U Crazy,” an upbeat song that still follows the intoxicating lyricism previously explored in the album. The album’s final song, “Obsession,” featuring TEN, is a beautifully desperate song combining retro tunes and riding on the emotional tension between the two artists.
12. bomb by ILLIT
While dreamcore-esque pop seems to have dominated the girl group scene in 2025, ILLIT takes the genre in a refreshing and charming direction. The EP’s lead single, “Billyeoon Gyoyangi (Do the Dance),” is a disco house-inspired track with beautiful strings that does great at encapsulating what the lighthearted beats of the rest of the album will have. The B-side “jellyous” is a popular song on the EP, with beautiful echoing vocals and an upbeat instrumental that makes you want to dance.
11. From Our 20’s by fromis_9
Originally debuting as a nine-member group in 2018, fromis_9 would later move to a new company in January 2025 after their original contracts ended. Members Hayoung, Jiwon, Chaeyoung, Nagyung, and Jiheon would remain in the group, becoming a quintet. Following the transition, the group released “From Our 20’s,” an EP perfect for summer. The EP’s lead single, “LIKE YOU BETTER,” draws synthpop elements with bright and full instrumentals along with the members’ vocals. Songs like “Love=Disaster” continue the bright beats, while songs like “Strawberry Mimosa” take a break from the upbeat tunes for something more relaxing. The EP is a perfect release for the five members’ refreshed start in the industry.
10. TUNNEL VISION by ITZY
“TUNNEL VISION” is an EP that further cements ITZY back into the K-pop genre as one of the boldest and most confident groups of their generation. Written and produced by Dem Jointz, the EP’s lead single “TUNNEL VISION” is a powerful chant of ITZY’s hard work towards their dreams, while b-sides like “8-BIT HEART” lean into an experimental vibe that takes the listener through a whirlwind of sound.
9. WE : Dream Chapter by ONEWE
“We : Dream Chapter” is an album that sounds like it has been out for years with its nostalgic beats and heavy instrumentals, fitting of a K-band. The album’s lead single, “The Starry Night,” furthers this dreamlike nostalgia with the feeling of looking up to the stars. B-sides like “Alice” and “Sole Star” do a wonderful job at encapsulating the feeling of chasing towards your dreams, the overall theme of the album.
8. GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition’ by ATEEZ
Released as an unexpected special edition, “GOLDEN HOUR : Part 3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition” is the epitome of ATEEZ’s artistry. The EP was originally released in early June with its lead single, “Lemon Drop,” a trap soul-inspired song with intoxicating vocals, along with four b-sides to accompany the original release.
ATEEZ would go on to release the special edition as a part of their ongoing “In Your Fantasy” world tour, with the new title track “In Your Fantasy,” an electroclash song that grabs your attention instantly with early 2000s-style synths throughout the instrumental. The special edition was also accompanied by eight new tracks, one solo for each member of the team, showcasing their individual talents and styles.
“GOLDEN HOUR : Part 3 ‘In Your Fantasy Edition’” encompasses all of the best parts of the K-pop genres, from soothing soft rock beats like “To be your light (JONGHO),” trap-EDM-inspired songs like “ROAR (MINGI),” and emotional hip hop soul songs like “Now this house ain’t a home.” ATEEZ continues to push the boundaries of what music can be in the K-pop industry as they continue their journey to becoming one of the top artists in the industry.
7. A flower bookmark, Pt. 3 by IU
IU continues to prove why she is known as “the nation’s little sister” in South Korea with her most recent EP, “A flower bookmark Pt. 3.” The EP is a continuation of the “A flower bookmark” series by IU, a series of EPs where the singer covers older songs in a modernized remix, still retaining the original charm while perfecting the beautiful elegance that IU is known for, with charming and sweet vocals. The EP is a relaxing listen, and its lead single, “Never Ending Story,” showcases IU’s iconic vocals throughout the song, bringing new life to older songs that many listeners may not have previously known.
6. UXLXVE by XLOV
Debuting in January of 2025, XLOV’s genderless concept breathed fresh life into the K-pop scene. The group was formed by producer and leader Wumuti, who picked members Rui and Haru, who competed with him on “BOYS PLANET,” along with new member Hyun. The group released their first mini album, “UXLXVE,” in November, drawing similar dark and sexy rhythms from their debut single, “I’mma Be,” along with light and upbeat songs to accompany the album’s lead single, “Rizz.” Songs like “Dirty Baby” and “Biii:-p” showcase the range of emotions “UXLXVE” explores while still being a cohesive experience to listen to as a whole.
Honorable mentions
Twenty-five is a small number for the hundreds of releases in the K-pop industry in 2025. So, before discussing my top five releases, here are some honorable mentions for releases that left a strong impact but were just too short of a release to make the final cut.
- gonna love me, right? by DAYOUNG
Originally debuting as a member of WJSN in 2016, member Dayoung would go on to release her debut solo “gonna love me, right?” in September of 2025. The three-track EP is an upbeat and refreshing beat that ended the summer of 2025 perfectly. The EP’s lead single “body” is a dynamically different track from the music Dayoung performs in WJSN, showcasing her versatility as a soloist and her promising potential in her future releases.
- Poet | Artist by SHINee
SHINee’s single “Poet | Artist,” along with its accompanying track “Starlight,” is an electropop song with a reggae rhythm, showcasing the strengths of SHINee’s music in one song. Titled after the album “Poet | Artist” by late member Jonghyun, the song was a special release for the group’s seventeenth anniversary. The single was composed and written by Jonghyun and also includes his vocals throughout the song. “Poet | Artist” serves as both a dedication to the fans and to SHINee’s years in the industry, being a culmination of what the five members worked to accomplish.
- Seasons of Memories (Special Album) by GFRIEND
Serving as a final farewell to the six-member girl group, GFRIEND’s single “Season of Memories” and its accompanying track “Always” are love letters to the girl group’s fans. Originally disbanding without warning in 2020, GFRIEND would go on to pursue their own activities, with members Eunha, SinB, and Umji debuting as the trio VIVIZ, Yerin and Yuju debuting as soloists, and Sowon promoting as an actress. In 2025, members reunited for their tenth anniversary with the release of “Seasons of Memories,” a nostalgic symphony of the members’ times as a group and with their fans, serving as an emotional farewell, giving the members and fans closure.
5. <ASSEMBLE25> by tripleS
tripleS continues to hold their position in the industry as a group not afraid to explore new genres but also one that can create a sonic experience through their songs. <ASSEMBLE25> creates an emotional journey surrounding the highs and lows of life, which is strongest in the album’s lead single, “Are You Alive,” which explores the pressures and hardships of running towards one’s dream.
4. <Club Icarus> by ARTMS
A year after their debut album <DALL>, ARTMS continues their angelic approach towards the K-pop genre with <Club Icarus>. Lead single, “Icarus,” is an enchanting classical crossover, showcasing the rebirth for the group’s members, HeeJin, HaSeul, Kim Lip, JinSoul, and Choerry, who were former members of LOONA before the group went on hiatus in 2023, marking the beginning of the group’s brighter future. The EP is a showcase of dedication and artistry with songs like “Obsessed” and “Goddess” and “that are distinctly different yet create a cohesive experience when listening to the EP in full.
3. Fe304: FORWARD by NMIXX
Showcasing the group’s vocals and experimental prowess, “Fe304 : FORWARD” is one of NMIXX’s best releases in their discography. Outdoing themselves with each song, the album takes you on a levitating journey through beautiful b-sides like “High Horse,” a UK street soul-inspired song, and “Ocean,” a pop soul song, while still giving you time to relax in songs such as the EP’s lead single, “Know About Me,” taking influence from trap R&B.
2. Alivio by CHUNG HA
Originally debuting as a member of I.O.I from the MNET survival program “Produce 101,” Chung Ha has continued to prove herself as one of the best soloists in the K-pop industry of all time. Her newest EP, “Alivio,” showcases the versatility Chung Ha’s music provides, with dual title tracks “STRESS” and “Thanks for the Memories” being two opposite types of songs but fitting perfectly in the EP. B-sides like “Still a Rose,” a classical crossover song with beautiful beats, and “Salty,” featuring soloist Sunmi and sensual yet tearful vocals, prove that Chung Ha’s role as one of the top soloists in the industry is deserved.
1. SNOW ANGEL by JUSTB
JUSTB’s EP “JUST ODD,” released in March with its lead single “CHEST,” would mark the beginning of some of the most remarkable music releases in the group’s career, as well as in the K-pop genre in general during 2025. Their newest album, “SNOW ANGEL,” continues to explore the hyper-pop-adjacent beats previously explored in “CHEST.” The EP’s lead single, “True Heart,” is an exciting ride of electrifying synths and rhythms, while b-sides such as “Sweater” and “BHYT (Baby Hold You Tight)” enhance the listening experience when playing the EP in full.