It is a unusual period for Okay-pop… no less than on the subject of my very own expertise. On one hand, there are a handful of acts I really feel extra invested in than ever, which is the sensation everybody desires as a fan. In some methods, I’m extra concerned with Okay-pop than I’ve been in awhile, however this curiosity is fairly funneled into the acts I comply with. If I zoom out to the trade on a bigger scale, the general tune high quality is certainly missing this 12 months and even the standouts don’t essentially really feel like future classics.
For this mid-year countdown, I’m casting my internet considerably large. Included are just a few tracks which can be actually making it into my year-end high ten alongside many that can extra possible battle for spots within the high twenty or thirty. As ever, I’ve alphabetized the artists quite than rank them. That closing rating will are available December.
Readers, what had been your favourite singles throughout the first half of 2025?
BOYNEXTDOOR – If I Say, I Love You
My most well-liked monitor of their two 2025 singles and a tune that’s rapidly develop into their biggest-ever hit. Its quirky sound is a superb conduit for his or her colourful character. (full overview)
The Boyz – VVV
One of many only a few 2025 title tracks that provided an prolonged runtime to unleash as many musical highlights as potential. I’d go so far as saying that is The Boyz’ finest ever single, and that’s fairly a feat given their previous discography. (full overview)
CRAVITY – SET NET G0?!
A unusual little wiggle of a summer season tune, anchored by a rugged electro stomp and wisps of vocal melody that give it a novel aptitude. (full overview)
Fairy Mai – Mild Please
Thrilling sounds usually emerge from Okay-pop’s indie aspect, and idol-member-turned-soloist Fairy Mai harnesses participating rhythms that eclipse a lot of her big-budget friends. (full overview)
fromis_9 – Like You Extra
A bounding, buoyant summer season dance monitor with open hearted melodies that encourage you to sing alongside on the high of your lungs. It is a rollicking antidote to Okay-pop’s present love of subdued sounds. (full overview)
Hearts2Hearts – Fashion
After a muted debut, SM Leisure’s latest woman group delivers the type of bubbly home monitor that usually heralds the summer season season. This sound will get me each time. (full overview)
NouerA – N.I.N (New Is Now)
Harnessing parts from Okay-pop’s previous ends in the 12 months’s strongest debut to this point. Refreshingly, this sounds nothing like world developments, choosing a selected model distinctive to this trade. (full overview)
NTX – Over N Over
Talking of eras previous, Over N Over recollects the upbeat, carefree sound of the early-2010’s with power to spare. It’s a tried and true method that hits all of the pleasure facilities. (full overview)
ONF – The Stranger
ONF have topped my year-end chart twice, and their constant monitor document expands with this synth-funk banger. Their music is simply so reliably nice. (full overview)
RIIZE – Bag Dangerous Again
Most likely my greatest grower of the 12 months? Initially, I balked on the tune’s NCT-like sound, however its humorousness and bombastic manufacturing stored it occurring my playlist. (full overview)
RIIZE – Fly Up
An old-fashioned rock n roll beat collides with Excessive College Musical cheese for this upbeat sing-along. It’s not essentially RIIZE’s strongest level, however the infectious power is troublesome to withstand. (full overview)
STAYC – Bebe
“Sing-talk” has been a significant downside this 12 months, however whenever you marry it to an thrilling dance beat I can’t assist however bop alongside. This was one other large grower for me this 12 months. (full overview)
TWS – Countdown!
This tune shares many aspects with the group’s 2024 work, however I’d really desire the melodies and manufacturing right here. In 2025’s sea of laidback power, TWS burst forth with thrilling power, fueled by one of many 12 months’s finest choruses. (full overview)
TWS – Fortunate To Be Liked
Showcasing their vary, the moodier Fortunate To Be Liked was a slow-burn success, buoyed by a phenomenal set of melodies that draw out essentially the most interesting points of boy group sentimentality. (full overview)
The Wind – Solely One
Talking of “boy group sentimentality,” The Wind has this specific model of “Christian horse boy” music down pat. With this monitor, they handle to ship a candy, classically woman group sound I’ve been lacking. They’re dwelling as much as their “BFriend” nickname. (full overview)
ZEROBASEONE – Blue
ZEROBASEONE are on a roll, and this widescreen pop anthem presents them at their finest. The surging refrain is addictive, egged on by a bombastic association and upbeat power. (full overview)
