This is a strange era for K-pop… at least when it comes to my own experience. On one hand, there are a handful of acts I feel more invested in than ever, which is the feeling everyone wants as a fan. In some ways, I’m more interested in K-pop than I have been in awhile, but this interest is pretty funneled into the acts I follow. If I zoom out to the industry on a larger scale, the overall song quality is definitely lacking this year and even the standouts don’t necessarily feel like future classics.
For this mid-year countdown, I’m casting my net somewhat wide. Included are a few tracks that are certainly making it into my year-end top ten alongside many that will more likely fight for spots in the top twenty or thirty. As ever, I’ve alphabetized the artists rather than rank them. That final ranking will come in December.
Readers, what were your favorite singles during the first half of 2025?
BOYNEXTDOOR – If I Say, I Love You
My preferred track of their two 2025 singles and a song that’s quickly become their biggest-ever hit. Its quirky sound is a great conduit for their colorful character. (full review)
The Boyz – VVV
One of the very few 2025 title tracks that offered an extended runtime to unleash as many musical highlights as possible. I’d go as far as saying this is The Boyz’ best ever single, and that’s quite a feat given their past discography. (full review)
CRAVITY – SET NET G0?!
A quirky little wiggle of a summer song, anchored by a rugged electro stomp and wisps of vocal melody that give it a unique flair. (full review)
Fairy Mai – Light Please
Exciting sounds often emerge from K-pop’s indie side, and idol-member-turned-soloist Fairy Mai harnesses engaging rhythms that eclipse many of her big-budget peers. (full review)
fromis_9 – Like You More
A bounding, buoyant summer dance track with open hearted melodies that encourage you to sing along at the top of your lungs. This is a rollicking antidote to K-pop’s current love of subdued sounds. (full review)
Hearts2Hearts – Style
After a muted debut, SM Entertainment’s newest girl group delivers the kind of bubbly house track that often heralds the summer season. This sound gets me every time. (full review)
NouerA – N.I.N (New Is Now)
Harnessing elements from K-pop’s past results in the year’s strongest debut so far. Refreshingly, this sounds nothing like global trends, opting for a specific style unique to this industry. (full review)
NTX – Over N Over
Speaking of eras past, Over N Over recalls the upbeat, carefree sound of the early-2010’s with energy to spare. It’s a tried and true formula that hits all the pleasure centers. (full review)
ONF – The Stranger
ONF have topped my year-end chart twice, and their consistent track record expands with this synth-funk banger. Their music is just so reliably great. (full review)
RIIZE – Bag Bad Back
Probably my biggest grower of the year? Initially, I balked at the song’s NCT-like sound, but its sense of humor and bombastic production kept it going on my playlist. (full review)
RIIZE – Fly Up
An old school rock n roll beat collides with High School Musical cheese for this upbeat sing-along. It’s not necessarily RIIZE’s strongest point, but the infectious energy is difficult to resist. (full review)
STAYC – Bebe
“Sing-talk” has been a major problem this year, but when you marry it to an exciting dance beat I can’t help but bop along. This was another huge grower for me this year. (full review)
TWS – Countdown!
This song shares many facets with the group’s 2024 work, but I might actually prefer the melodies and production here. In 2025’s sea of laidback energy, TWS burst forth with thrilling force, fueled by one of the year’s best choruses. (full review)
TWS – Lucky To Be Loved
Showcasing their range, the moodier Lucky To Be Loved was a slow-burn success, buoyed by a beautiful set of melodies that draw out the most appealing aspects of boy group sentimentality. (full review)
The Wind – Only One
Speaking of “boy group sentimentality,” The Wind has this particular brand of “Christian horse boy” music down pat. With this track, they manage to deliver a sweet, classically girl group sound I’ve been missing. They’re living up to their “BFriend” nickname. (full review)
ZEROBASEONE – Blue
ZEROBASEONE are on a roll, and this widescreen pop anthem presents them at their best. The surging chorus is addictive, egged on by a bombastic arrangement and upbeat energy. (full review)
