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The 2025 Billboard K-Pop Artist 100

The 2025 Billboard K-Pop Artist 100

The Billboard K-Pop Artist 100 is back!

The 2025 ranking was compiled by Billboard Korea in partnership with Billboard based on each artist’s achievements from October 2024 to September 2025 on the U.S.-based Billboard Hot 100 songs chart and Billboard 200 albums chart, along with the internationally reflective Billboard Global 200 songs chart, global Billboard Boxscore touring data and streaming and songs sales activity within Korea. Luminate is the streaming and sales source for all of the respective rankings (excluding Billboard Boxscore).

The No. 1 spot goes to SEVENTEEN and its 13 members, with consistent performance in the U.S., global and Korean markets. SEVENTEEN’s decade-long career reached new heights this year, cementing its status as one of the most powerful K-pop groups. The act had an exceptionally active year — not only in touring, but also in album releases. Spill the Feels (November 2024) debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, while SEVENTEEN’s most recent album, HAPPY BURSTDAY, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in June. Additionally, three of the group’s subunits — BSS, HOSHI X WOOZI and CxM (S.COUPS X MINGYU) — released albums that contributed to the brand’s global dominance.

One of the most groundbreaking moments of the year came from BLACKPINK’s Rosé, whose collaboration with Bruno Mars on “APT.” debuted at No. 8 on the Hot 100 in October 2024, making her the highest-charting solo female artist in K-pop history; the song went on to peak at No. 3 in February. She already earned chart honors as a member of BLACKPINK, the highest-charting K-pop girl group to date on the Hot 100. 

Meanwhile, Stray Kids continued their record-breaking streak, achieving two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 with HOP in December 2024 and KARMA in August 2025. The albums helped make them the first act from any country to debut at No. 1 with its first seven chart entries on the Billboard 200 since the chart began publishing on a regular weekly basis in 1956. 

ATEEZ also reached a new milestone with Golden Hour: Part 2, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in November 2024, marking the group’s second album to achieve this distinction. In 2025, ATEEZ appeared on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 with their album Golden Hour: Part 3 and the song “Lemon Drop,” respectively.

Additionally, TWICE’s fourth studio album THIS IS FOR remained on the Billboard 200 for 14 consecutive weeks since its release in July. “Strategy” and “TAKEDOWN (JEONGYEON, JIHYO, CHAEYOUNG)” from KPop Demon Hunters also received notable attention, peaking at No. 51 and No. 50 on the Hot 100, respectively. 

A closer look at the charts reveals several notable trends that defined the performance of the K- pop genre in the past year. First, groups that debuted after 2023 made a strong showing. BOYNEXTDOOR placed five consecutive releases on the Billboard 200, while ILLIT — who entered the Hot 100 with their debut track “Magnetic” — saw their album bomb hit the Billboard 200 this July. KATSEYE is particularly dominant, with their EP Beautiful Chaos gaining steady momentum, and both “ Gnarly” and “Gabriela” entering the Hot 100, where “Gabriela” peaked at No. 33. KATSEYE kicked of their first U.S. tour in November.

Second, K-pop artists’ solo activities stood out. Following Rosé, who released her first studio album Rosie in December 2024, all BLACKPINK members went on to to release albums or mini-albums as well. The group also returned with “Jump” in July, debuting at No. 28 on the Hot 100. BLACKPINK, which kicked off their DEADLINE World Tour in July, has also announced a comeback scheduled for January. NCT members Mark and Haecha launched their first solo albums, while i-dle’s Minnie, Yuqi and Miyeon also continued individual promotions. Meanwhile, BTS members JIN and j-hope, who completed service earlier, pursued solo releases and embarked on their first world tours as solo artists. All BTS members promised to come back in March, and will likely shake up the rankings once again.

A stark contrast between the U.S. and Korean music charts emerged in 2024. While bands like DAY6 experienced a phenomenal year in Korea — dominating domestic streaming platforms with both old and new hits (“Happy,” “Welcome to the Show,” “Time of Our Life,” “You Were Beautiful,” and “Congratulations”) and selling out major venues, their success has yet to generate major attention in the U.S. market. The continued rise of Korean bands raises the question of whether the K-band genre will gain similar traction internationally in the coming years.

Finally, we cannot overlook the phenomenal success of KPop Demon Hunters. What kind of presence will the voices of HUNTR/X and Saja Boys, born of the smash 2025 Netflix film, establish moving forward Keep your eyes on K-pop through the final moments of 2025.

For the 2025 Billboard K-Pop Artist 100, group members are sometimes listed together, except for where notable solo or unit activity separates the artists. Member order generally follows the official listings provided by their agencies, though those on hiatus for military service are placed toward the bottom.

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