{"id":83952,"date":"2025-12-29T06:00:04","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T12:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kjhk.org\/web\/?p=83952"},"modified":"2025-12-28T18:25:28","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T00:25:28","slug":"the-best-k-pop-releases-of-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kjhk.org\/web\/2025\/12\/29\/the-best-k-pop-releases-of-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best K-Pop Releases of 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Kaylei Smith<\/em><\/p>\n

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 \u201cK-Pop Demon Hunters\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

25. poppop<\/em> by NCT WISH<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cpoppop\u201d 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\u2019s iconic moment<\/a> singing the song \u201c1000<\/a>.\u201d The album’s lead single \u201cpoppop<\/a>,\u201d draws from East Coast club influences, being an unapologetically loud and upbeat song. B-sides such as \u201cDesign<\/a>\u201d and \u201cStill 3PM<\/a>\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

24. Glow to Haze<\/em> by KANGDANIEL<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cGlow to Haze\u201d turns heartache into art through its beautiful production and lyricism. The EP\u2019s lead single, \u201cEpisode<\/a>\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

23. Soft Error : X<\/em> by Yves <\/strong><\/p>\n

Released as a special version of \u201cSoft Error,\u201d \u201cSoft Error : X\u201d continues to prove Yves\u2019s 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\u2019s lead single \u201cSoap (feat. PinkPantheress)<\/a>,\u201d is an Atlanta bass-inspired song that encapsulates Yves\u2019s enchanting vocals perfectly. B-sides like \u201cAibo (feat. Bratty)<\/a>” and \u201cWhite cat\u201d are upbeat songs, while \u201cDo you feel it like i touch<\/a>\u201d and \u201cmom<\/a>\u201d show a hauntingly beautiful side to Yves\u2019s production style.<\/p>\n

22. NEVER SAY NEVER<\/em> by ZEROBASEONE <\/strong><\/p>\n

Debuting from the MNET survival program \u201cBOYS PLANET,\u201d \u201cNEVER SAY NEVER\u201d is ZEROBASEONE\u2019s first full album. With funky beats that keep you in an upbeat mood, such as the album’s lead single \u201cICONIK<\/a>\u201d and \u201cGoosebumps<\/a>\u201d; beautifully nostalgic songs like \u201cStar Eyes<\/a>,\u201d with beats reminiscent of the group’s days on \u201cBOYS PLANET\u201d; and emotional songs like \u201cI Know U Know<\/a>,\u201d 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 \u201cSLAM DUNK<\/a>\u201d to alluring tracks like \u201cLovesick Game<\/a>,\u201d distracting slightly from the listening experience.<\/p>\n

21. HAPPY BURSTDAY<\/em> by SEVENTEEN <\/strong><\/p>\n

Released in May 2025, \u201cHAPPY BURSTDAY\u201d is a whirlwind of emotion. The album starts out with three upbeat songs by the 13-member group, with \u201cTHUNDER<\/a>\u201d 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 \u201cSkyfall (THE 8 Solo)<\/a>,\u201d “Shining Star (Vernon Solo)<\/a>,\u201d and \u201cJungle (S.COUPS Solo)<\/a>\u201d bring each of the members\u2019 individual strengths to the stage, allowing them a moment to shine in this album.<\/p>\n

20. DUH!<\/em> by P1Harmony <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDUH!\u201d is a release that perfectly encapsulates the noisy hip hop-inspired beats that P1Harmony is known for, along with b-sides that showcase P1Harmony\u2019s experimentation into different genres. \u201cPretty Boy<\/a>\u201d is a sensual and yearning song, while \u201cFlashy<\/a>\u201d is a powerful anthem, perfectly encapsulating P1Harmony\u2019s dichotomy with each release alongside the EP\u2019s lead single, \u201cDUH!<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

19. WHO WE ARE<\/em> by AHOF <\/strong><\/p>\n

Debuting in July 2025 from the SBS survival program \u201cUniverse League,\u201d AHOF\u2019s debut mini album \u201cWHO WE ARE\u201d expresses exactly who AHOF is. With relaxing b-sides such as \u201cThe Little Star<\/a>\u201d and \u201cThe Universe<\/a>\u201d to powerfully nostalgic songs like \u201cCosmic Underdog<\/a>\u201d and the album’s lead single “Rendezvous<\/a>,” \u201cWHO WE ARE\u201d is a perfect experience that introduces AHOF to the K-pop genre and leaves listeners eager for future releases.<\/p>\n

18. Glow Up<\/em> by RESCENE <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cGlow Up\u201d is a dreamcore-inspired EP that perfects the dreamcore aesthetic that has seemed to take over the K-pop industry this year. The EP\u2019s light and cutesy songs fit the dreamcore aesthetic perfectly, with the EP\u2019s lead single, \u201cGlow Up<\/a>,\u201d being an upbeat but relaxing take on the genre.<\/p>\n

17. BLUE PARADISE<\/em> by ZEROBASEON<\/strong>E<\/p>\n

Released prior to \u201cNEVER SAY NEVER,\u201d \u201cBLUE PARADISE\u201d is the type of album that perfectly encapsulates ZEROBASEONE\u2019s style of music, one that feels light and flowing, heavily influenced by different types of pop subgenres. The EP\u2019s lead single, \u201cBLUE<\/a>,\u201d an electropop-inspired song, perfects the charm of what ZEROBASEONE\u2019s music is. B-sides like \u201cOut of Love<\/a>\u201d and \u201cDoctor! Doctor!<\/a>\u201d showcase the loving feeling the album brings, exploring the different ways love affects us.<\/p>\n

16. Blue Valentine <\/em>by NMIXX <\/strong><\/p>\n

With the release of their album \u201cBlue Valentine,\u201d NMIXX continues to explore many genres in just one release. The album’s lead single, \u201cBlue Valentine<\/a>,\u201d features pop rock and synth-pop influences while b-sides such as \u201cReality Hurts<\/a>\u201d and \u201cRICO<\/a>\u201d draw influence from future pop and reggaeton, respectively.<\/p>\n

However, the final track, \u201cO.O Part 2 (Superhero)<\/a>,\u201d is weighed down by the pressure of trying to take a 57-second section of a song and remix it into one that\u2019s two minutes longer, resulting in a repetitive song that makes the album unsatisfying to end on.<\/p>\n

15. STUNNER<\/em> by TEN <\/strong><\/p>\n

First debuting in NCT in the first sub-unit, NCT U, in 2016, and later in the group\u2019s China-based unit, WayV, TEN has had plenty of time to explore what many NCT fans would call the \u201cneo sound,\u201d 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, \u201cSTUNNER<\/a>.\u201d The album\u2019s pre-release single, \u201cBAMBOLA<\/a>,\u201d perfectly encapsulates the \u201cneo sound\u201d with quirky electronic elements and fast-paced raps, while the lead single, \u201cSTUNNER,\u201d 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 \u201cEnough For Me<\/a>\u201d and \u201cSweet As Sin<\/a>,\u201d creating a beautiful experience when listening to the mini album in full.<\/p>\n

14. Only cry in the rain<\/em> by CHUU <\/strong><\/p>\n

Released in April 2025, \u201cOnly cry in the rain\u201d perfectly showcases that April showers feelings of melancholy and hope. The EP\u2019s lead single, \u201cOnly cry in the rain<\/a>\u201d is a synthpop song that evokes a bright yet nostalgic feeling further explored in the EP, while b-sides like \u201cBack in town<\/a>\u201d and \u201cKiss a kitty<\/a>\u201d bring bright feelings through funk and nu disco inspirations respectfully.<\/p>\n

13. HER<\/em> by MINNIE <\/strong><\/p>\n

Debuting as a member of i-dle in 2018, MINNIE officially debuted her first mini album, \u201cHER,\u201d in January of 2025. The album starts with the sensual vocals in \u201cBlind Eyes Red<\/a>\u201d before moving to the sexy and confident lead single \u201cHER<\/a>.\u201d The EP features fellow i-dle member YUQI on the track \u201cDrive U Crazy<\/a>,\u201d an upbeat song that still follows the intoxicating lyricism previously explored in the album. The album\u2019s final song, \u201cObsession<\/a>,\u201d featuring TEN, is a beautifully desperate song combining retro tunes and riding on the emotional tension between the two artists.<\/p>\n

12. bomb<\/em> by ILLIT <\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s lead single, \u201cBillyeoon Gyoyangi (Do the Dance)<\/a>,\u201d 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 \u201cjellyous<\/a>\u201d is a popular song on the EP, with beautiful echoing vocals and an upbeat instrumental that makes you want to dance.<\/p>\n

11. From Our 20\u2019s<\/em> by fromis_9 <\/strong><\/p>\n

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 \u201cFrom Our 20\u2019s,\u201d an EP perfect for summer. The EP\u2019s lead single, \u201cLIKE YOU BETTER<\/a>,\u201d draws synthpop elements with bright and full instrumentals along with the members\u2019 vocals. Songs like \u201cLove=Disaster<\/a>\u201d continue the bright beats, while songs like \u201cStrawberry Mimosa<\/a>\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

10. TUNNEL VISION<\/em> by ITZY <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cTUNNEL VISION\u201d 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\u2019s lead single \u201cTUNNEL VISION<\/a>\u201d is a powerful chant of ITZY\u2019s hard work towards their dreams, while b-sides like \u201c8-BIT HEART<\/a>\u201d lean into an experimental vibe that takes the listener through a whirlwind of sound.<\/p>\n

9. WE : Dream Chapter<\/em> by ONEWE <\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe : Dream Chapter\u201d 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, \u201cThe Starry Night<\/a>,\u201d furthers this dreamlike nostalgia with the feeling of looking up to the stars. B-sides like \u201cAlice<\/a>\u201d and \u201cSole Star<\/a>\u201d do a wonderful job at encapsulating the feeling of chasing towards your dreams, the overall theme of the album.<\/p>\n

8. GOLDEN HOUR : Part.3 \u2018In Your Fantasy Edition\u2019<\/em> by ATEEZ <\/strong><\/p>\n

Released as an unexpected special edition, \u201cGOLDEN HOUR : Part 3 \u2018In Your Fantasy Edition” is the epitome of ATEEZ\u2019s artistry. The EP was originally released in early June with its lead single, \u201cLemon Drop<\/a>,\u201d a trap soul-inspired song with intoxicating vocals, along with four b-sides to accompany the original release.<\/p>\n

ATEEZ would go on to release the special edition as a part of their ongoing \u201cIn Your Fantasy<\/a>\u201d world tour, with the new title track \u201cIn Your Fantasy,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cGOLDEN HOUR : Part 3 \u2018In Your Fantasy Edition\u2019\u201d encompasses all of the best parts of the K-pop genres, from soothing soft rock beats like \u201cTo be your light (JONGHO)<\/a>,\u201d trap-EDM-inspired songs like \u201cROAR (MINGI)<\/a>,\u201d and emotional hip hop soul songs like \u201cNow this house ain\u2019t a home<\/a>.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

7. A flower bookmark, Pt. 3<\/em> by IU <\/strong><\/p>\n

IU continues to prove why she is known as \u201cthe nation\u2019s little sister\u201d in South Korea with her most recent EP, \u201cA flower bookmark Pt. 3.\u201d The EP is a continuation of the \u201cA flower bookmark\u201d 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, \u201cNever Ending Story<\/a>,\u201d showcases IU\u2019s iconic vocals throughout the song, bringing new life to older songs that many listeners may not have previously known.<\/p>\n

6. UXLXVE<\/em> by XLOV<\/strong><\/p>\n

Debuting in January of 2025, XLOV\u2019s 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 \u201cBOYS PLANET,\u201d along with new member Hyun. The group released their first mini album, \u201cUXLXVE,\u201d in November, drawing similar dark and sexy rhythms from their debut single, \u201cI\u2019mma Be<\/a>,\u201d along with light and upbeat songs to accompany the album\u2019s lead single, \u201cRizz<\/a>.\u201d Songs like \u201cDirty Baby<\/a>\u201d and \u201cBiii:-p<\/a>\u201d showcase the range of emotions \u201cUXLXVE\u201d explores while still being a cohesive experience to listen to as a whole.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Honorable mentions <\/strong><\/h5>\n

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.<\/p>\n