BTS members (from left) V, Suga, Jin, RM, Jungkook, Jimin plopand J-Hope. Picture: Weverse
From the return of BTS and Blackpink to the debuts of recent teams from main businesses — SM Leisure, YG Leisure, and JYP Leisure — the 2025 Okay-pop scene is brimming with pleasure and anticipation. Trade insiders predict that world excursions by main Okay-pop acts will additional increase the music market’s international presence this yr.
Nonetheless, the trade additionally faces mounting strain to deal with long-standing points, such because the therapy of younger trainees and idols’ rising requires higher working circumstances — challenges that market observers imagine would require vital effort and time to resolve.
The return of BTS, with all seven members finishing their army service by the tip of June, is poised to be this yr’s most important occasion. Whereas Hybe has not but revealed plans for the group’s music or album releases within the second half of the yr, music critic Lim Hee-yun expects the group to arrange occasions for its international fan base, which has eagerly awaited the band’s comeback for almost two years.
“It’s unlikely that BTS will launch a brand new track or EP instantly after reuniting within the second half (of the yr), however it is going to undoubtedly arrange occasions to reconnect with followers,” Lim stated Thursday, Jan. 2. “A key problem, nevertheless, is how Hybe plans to deal with member Suga, who was concerned in a drunk-driving incident final yr.”
Blackpink’s plans to launch a brand new album and embark on a world tour are one other spotlight. Lim anticipates sturdy synergy amongst Jennie, Lisa and Rosé, all of whom achieved notable success with their solo actions outdoors YG Leisure.
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“Not simply Blackpink, but in addition teams like Stray Youngsters will conduct world excursions that may considerably contribute to increasing Okay-pop’s market share globally whereas producing substantial income,” Lim added.
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Blackpink in an idea picture for his or her “Born Pink” album. Picture: X/@ygofficialblink
Music critic Kim Do-heon echoed comparable sentiments, predicting continued development within the international Okay-pop market.
“Whereas BTS resuming actions shall be a significant focus, the rise of worldwide boy bands and their world excursions will even generate vital buzz and maintain the trade’s momentum,” Kim stated Thursday.
New teams from main Okay-pop businesses are additionally set to debut this yr. JYP Leisure will introduce KickFlip on Jan. 6, whereas SM Leisure is making ready to launch a brand new lady group. YG Leisure founder Yang Hyun-suk has introduced plans for a brand new band however has not disclosed a debut date.
The rise of digital idols stays a focal point. Final yr, digital idols similar to Plave and Naevis gained vital recognition. SM Leisure’s digital Okay-pop idol Naevis launched a remix of her debut single “Completed” on Dec. 20 and is scheduled to seem at SM’s thirtieth anniversary concert events at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Jan. 11-12.
Nonetheless, Kim stated that extra time is required for digital idols to ascertain a considerable presence. “Digital idols have emerged as distinctive phenomena abroad, however overcoming technological and public curiosity challenges stays a posh process. Regardless of these hurdles, we are able to count on ongoing efforts and improvements on this area,” he stated.
The authorized dispute between NewJeans and its company ADOR will proceed to attract consideration this yr. The courtroom battle follows the group’s unprecedented transfer to terminate unique contracts with their company final yr, elevating considerations concerning the stability of current company buildings.
The lady group introduced their departure from ADOR, a subsidiary of HYBE, final November, citing alleged mistreatments and breaches of contract. Member Hanni additionally testified earlier than the Nationwide Meeting about experiencing office harassment and bullying.
NewJeans maintain a press convention on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, in Seoul to announce the termination of their unique contract with Ador. Picture: Yonhap by way of The Korea Herald
“The NewJeans controversy has served as a catalyst for bringing long-suppressed points inside the idol music trade to mild,” Lim stated. “Whereas these discussions have gained traction each domestically and internationally, it stays to be seen whether or not they are going to end in significant adjustments. Consciousness is a vital first step, but it surely doesn’t assure options.”
Okay-pop businesses’ localization methods — discovering expertise in numerous international locations and coaching them beneath the Okay-pop system — are additionally going through challenges.
In December, KG, a member of JYP Leisure’s American lady group VCHA, filed a lawsuit in opposition to the company, alleging abuse and mistreatment by sure workers members. KG’s assertion highlighted an atmosphere that contributed to extreme psychological well being points amongst members, together with consuming issues and self-harm. She additionally expressed considerations about excessive working circumstances and monetary exploitation.
“Because the Okay-pop trade operates as a enterprise, vital enhancements are unlikely to occur shortly and can take appreciable time,” stated music critic Lim Hee-yun. “The identical applies to points surrounding idols’ privateness, private rights, and human rights. At the same time as consciousness grows and extra voices name for change, substantial progress stays sluggish. For these instantly affected, the prospects of significant reform typically really feel distant and restricted.”
