The first half of 2025 has delivered an interesting wave of K-pop hits, and your votes have spoken! From addictive debuts to comebacks that knocked it out of the park, The KpopWise community’s top picks showcase a wide and dynamic range that goes beyond the top-charting songs of well-known groups.
Editor’s Top 10 picks
ARTMS – Icarus
This track soars with mythological ambition, proving that sometimes flying too close to the sun creates the most spectacular musical moments. The members serve ethereal vocals and graceful choreography that feel like they’re ready to soar through the sky, making you wonder if they’ve actually discovered the secret to musical flight.
XLOV – 1&Only
This debut group “boldly challenges gender norms” that took the K-pop community by storm. As the first comeback track from the group, it serves up Afrobeats-influenced smoothness in a way that is as refreshing as it is boundary-breaking.
All(H)ours – GIMME GIMME
This dance track that demands your attention with the urgency of someone who knows exactly what they want and isn’t afraid to ask for it. The high-energy track, much like All(H)ours other songs, reenergizes you like a quick shot of adrenaline.
The Boyz – VVV
A track hits with the triple impact its title suggests. It’s the kind of song that makes you understand why The Boyz have mastered the art of turning simple concepts into absolute earworms.
STAYC – Bebe
STAYC continues their streak of creating addictively catchy hooks that lodge themselves in your brain like the world’s most pleasant parasite. This track serves up their signature blend of sweet and sassy that makes you feel ready to walk the runway.
Seulgi – Baby, Not Baby
Red Velvet’s main dancer proves she can carry a solo track with the same grace she brings to choreography. The playful contradiction in the title perfectly captures Seulgi’s ability to be both adorably charming and devastatingly cool in the same breath.
PLAVE – DASH
Despite being “virtual” artists, PLAVE have “carved out their own niche” with music that is human and emotionally resonant. This resilient anthem races forward with infectious energy that proves sometimes the most authentic feelings come from the most unexpected sources.
ITZY – Girls Will Be Girls
Released as their 10th mini album, continuing their evolution from their confident 2019 debut style this anthem celebrates unapologetic strong femininity with the kind of gusto ITZY can deliver. It’s a rallying cry wrapped in a pop song that makes being yourself sound like the coolest rebellion possible.
82MAJOR – Takeover
This track lives up to its ambitious title by actually attempting a musical coup that’s so well-executed you’ll willingly surrender. The young group brings enough charisma and sonic firepower to make their takeover an infectious vibe that makes you want to join their lineup.
INFINITE – Dangerous
These veterans prove that experience is the most dangerous weapon of all, and they make it look easy as they deliver a track that’s both nostalgically familiar and thrillingly unpredictable. It’s the kind of song that reminds you why INFINITE earned their legendary status while showing they’re nowhere near ready to retire their crown.
B-sides I keep running back to:
RIIZE – Bag Bad Back
A bold reinvention of RIIZE’s sound, with lyrics by BIGONE, “Bad Bad Back” blends hypnotic basslines with razor-sharp choreography, cementing their reputation as performance powerhouses. The track’s addictive call-and-response hook and sleek production make it an instant earworm, while the lyrics while showcasing the group’s maturing charisma.
P1Harmony – Pretty Boy
A stripped-down genre-defying anthem, fusing trap beats with shimmering synths for a sound that’s both edgy and irresistibly catchy. The song’s confident lyrics and sleek vocal delivery celebrate self-assurance in a fun way.
KpopWise Readers’ Choice
Tia
ATEEZ – Lemon DropStep by Step – BOYNEXTDOORVVV – THE BOYZKings & Queens – ALL[H]OURSGeorge the Lobster – Xdinary Heroes
Rhankie
CIX – Lovers or EnemiesNouerA – N.I.NPh1Harmony – Pretty BoyRiize – OdysseyShinee – Poet Artist
Barb
Big Ocean – Fade OutHighlight – Chains82majors – HeroesBaekhyun – ChocolateBoynextdoor – I Feel Good
Mia
Gfriend – Season of MemoriesIVE – Rebel HeartChuu – Kiss a KittyQWER – OverdriveARTMS – Club for the Broken
Joycelyn Ghansah
Kai – Adult SwimIU – Never Ending StoryShinee – Poet | ArtistHighlight/Beast – ChainsNicole – 75l650
MJ
Got7 – PythonXLOV – 1&OnlyZerobaseone – BlueP1harmony – Pretty BoyTen – Bambola
Kiana Thomas
Seventeen – ThunderAteez – Lemon DropAteez – MasterpieceRiize – Another LifeTWS – Countdown
Thomas
Jisoo – EarthquakeStayc – BebeBlackswan – I Like It HotKandis – BFJennie – Like Jennie
Sound Berry
TEN – StunnerP1harmony – WorkJUST B – ChestThe Deep – Girls Like MeNCT WISH – 1000
Kain
JUSTB – ChestXLOV – 1&OnlyP1Harmony – Pretty BoyZEROBASEONE – Devil GameSTAYC – Bebe
Jackie Rapose
Yeji – AirInfinite – DangerousSF9 – Love RaceHyun.O – Hate MeXLOV – 1&Only
Kirsty
XLOV – I’mma BeATEEZ – Ice on My TeethP1Harmony – Duh!j-hope – Mona LisaKatseye – Gnarly
Kris
xikers – BREATHECRAVITY – SWISHOneus – XXLOV – 1&OnlyP1harmony – DUH!
Delulu Muse
Hearts2Hearts – The ChaseKatseye – GnarlyXLOVE – 1&OnlyTen – StunnerAir – Yeji
Did any of your favorite songs appear here? Let us know your top songs of the year so far!
