This can be a unusual period for Okay-pop… no less than in relation to 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 needs as a fan. In some methods, I’m extra interested by 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 business on a bigger scale, the general tune high quality is unquestionably 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 huge. Included are a couple of tracks which might be actually making it into my year-end prime ten alongside many that may extra seemingly battle for spots within the prime twenty or thirty. As ever, I’ve alphabetized the artists moderately than rank them. That remaining rating will are available in 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 turn out to be their biggest-ever hit. Its quirky sound is a superb conduit for his or her colourful character. (full evaluate)
The Boyz – VVV
One of many only a few 2025 title tracks that supplied an prolonged runtime to unleash as many musical highlights as doable. I’d go so far as saying that is The Boyz’ greatest ever single, and that’s fairly a feat given their previous discography. (full evaluate)
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 evaluate)
Fairy Mai – Gentle Please
Thrilling sounds typically emerge from Okay-pop’s indie facet, and idol-member-turned-soloist Fairy Mai harnesses partaking rhythms that eclipse a lot of her big-budget friends. (full evaluate)
fromis_9 – Like You Extra
A bounding, buoyant summer season dance monitor with open hearted melodies that encourage you to sing alongside on the prime of your lungs. This can be a rollicking antidote to Okay-pop’s present love of subdued sounds. (full evaluate)
Hearts2Hearts – Fashion
After a muted debut, SM Leisure’s latest woman group delivers the type of bubbly home monitor that always heralds the summer season season. This sound will get me each time. (full evaluate)
NouerA – N.I.N (New Is Now)
Harnessing components from Okay-pop’s previous ends in the 12 months’s strongest debut to date. Refreshingly, this sounds nothing like world traits, choosing a selected type distinctive to this business. (full evaluate)
NTX – Over N Over
Talking of eras previous, Over N Over remembers the upbeat, carefree sound of the early-2010’s with vitality to spare. It’s a tried and true method that hits all of the pleasure facilities. (full evaluate)
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 evaluate)
RIIZE – Bag Dangerous Again
In all probability my largest grower of the 12 months? Initially, I balked on the tune’s NCT-like sound, however its humorousness and bombastic manufacturing saved it occurring my playlist. (full evaluate)
RIIZE – Fly Up
An old style 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 vitality is tough to withstand. (full evaluate)
STAYC – Bebe
“Sing-talk” has been a significant downside this 12 months, however if you marry it to an thrilling dance beat I can’t assist however bop alongside. This was one other enormous grower for me this 12 months. (full evaluate)
TWS – Countdown!
This tune shares many sides with the group’s 2024 work, however I’d truly choose the melodies and manufacturing right here. In 2025’s sea of laidback vitality, TWS burst forth with thrilling pressure, fueled by one of many 12 months’s greatest choruses. (full evaluate)
TWS – Fortunate To Be Beloved
Showcasing their vary, the moodier Fortunate To Be Beloved was a slow-burn success, buoyed by an attractive set of melodies that draw out essentially the most interesting features of boy group sentimentality. (full evaluate)
The Wind – Solely One
Talking of “boy group sentimentality,” The Wind has this explicit 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 evaluate)
ZEROBASEONE – Blue
ZEROBASEONE are on a roll, and this widescreen pop anthem presents them at their greatest. The surging refrain is addictive, egged on by a bombastic association and upbeat vitality. (full evaluate)