KPOP Predictions 2025: Trends, Comebacks, and Industry Shifts

From comebacks to courtrooms, 2024 was indeed a rollercoaster of emotions for multistans but a great year for girl groups (like bops after bops?!). They really were the highlight last year – carried the whole industry actually. And 2025 just barely started but there are already nugu groups whose members are leaving or on a hiatus. Like WHAT’S HAPPENING?!

Although we don’t want to jinx anything, here’s our 2025 predictions everything KPOP this year!

Table of Contents

1. AI Integration in Music Production and Virtual Idols
2. Global Expansion and Collaborations
3. Diversification of KPOP Sounds and Group Dynamics
4. Virtual Reality and Metaverse Experiences
5. Comeback of Second-Generation Idols and Solo Activities
6. Industry Power Shifts and New Leaders
7. World Tours and Global Concerts
8. Military Enlistments in 2025

1. AI Integration in Music Production and Virtual Idols

Although AI doesn’t sound pleasing to everyone out there, we. can’t deny that companies have been experimenting with this advancement of technology for awhile now. Below are some of the events that might occur sometime this year that’s AI-assisted and take note, some of these already happened last year!

• AI-assisted music production, including AI-generated melodies and harmonies
• Virtual idol collaborations with human artists
• AI-enhanced live performances and holographic concerts
• Debut of AI-generated stars who can sing, dance, and “interact” with fans

Recent news: SM Entertainment has already begun experimenting with more AI-generated vocals in some of their tracks, hinting at a broader adoption of this technology across the industry.

Below are some of our (not AI) but would give you that tech look!

2. Global Expansion and Collaborations

Last year and prior years, KPOP has already been making huge steps in tapping the west and their international reach will continue to grow, with:

• More collaborations between KPOP idols and Western artists
• A Sabrina Carpenter ft a KPOP idol is what we need at this point
• Debut of multinational groups targeting specific regions
• Localized K-Pop subgenres incorporating elements from various cultures (Le Sserafim for example)

Recent News: BLACKPINK’s Jennie has already a huge list of collabs for her new album! Can’t wait for more artists and groups to do so. PS, not 2025 news but, have you heard Seventeeen’s New Song with DJ Khaled?!

3. Diversification of KPOP Sounds and Group Dynamics

We expect to see KPOP branching out into new genres and styles and maybe more bands to come into spotlight?

• Increased incorporation of traditional Korean instruments in mainstream KPOP
• Rise of KPOP-influenced rock and metal bands (Day6, The Rose, Xdinary Heroes are on the road with their instruments and let’s hope more bands are gonna be given spotlights this year)
• Experimental fusion genres blending KPOP with world music styles
• More varied idol groups with members from diverse backgrounds

Recent trend: Groups like (G)I-DLE and ATEEZ have been incorporating traditional Korean elements into their music, paving the way for a new wave of culturally rich KPOP.

4. Virtual Reality and Metaverse Experiences

This one isn’t new but the metaverse will continue to expand especially that fans are actually having fun in the VR Worls.

• Virtual fan meetings and signings in metaverse platforms
• Interactive music videos where fans can participate
• KPOP-themed virtual worlds for fans to explore
• VR concerts and AR fan meetings becoming commonplace

Update: SM Entertainment has already launched its own metaverse platform, suggesting that other major agencies may follow suit in 2025.

5. Comeback of Second-Generation Idols and Solo Activities

This!! A lot are speculating that OG Noonas and OPPAs are gonna take over this year. 2NE1 already started during late 2024 and we’ll have to wait for others if nostalgia and individual growth will thrive

• Reunion tours and albums from groups like BIGBANG and 2NE1
• Collaboration stages between senior and junior artists
• Variety shows featuring second-generation idols as mentors
• Rise of the “Solo Era” with more individual albums, tours, and projects

Recent news: Several members of Girls’ Generation have hinted at a potential group project, exciting fans of the iconic second-generation girl group.

6. Industry Power Shifts and New Leaders

The KPOP landscape may see significant changes especially with issues that happened in 2024. Some companies will have to brace themselves since cancel culture and unstanning will probably still be relevant this year.

• Smaller yet powerful agencies emerging and creating breakout groups
• Potential decline in popularity for some HYBE groups in Korea
• More new 5th generation groups rivaling 4th generation groups on charts and sales
• Babymonster potentially becoming leaders of the 5th generation
• Are we gonna expect more lawsuits and boycotts?

7. World Tours and Global Concerts

Ever since the pandemic ended, KPOP groups have been working nonstop to introduce their crafts in different continents and since a lot of new groups are also coming out, international fans should better prep their wallets cuz not only tours are happening this year but as well as fanmeets and brand events.

• EXO, BTS, and Blackpink all confirmed they’re gonna have comebacks this year so expect stadium tours.
• Companies like SM Entertainment and HYBE may organize large-scale tours featuring multiple artists from their roster
  • These tours could combine performances from senior artists and rookie groups, offering fans a diverse experience
• Innovative concert experiences (as mentioned above)
  • Integration of AR and VR technologies in live performances
  • Interactive elements allowing fans to influence setlists or stage designs in real-time
• Extended residencies in major markets
  • Groups might opt for longer stays in key cities, offering multiple shows and special fan experiences

8. Military Enlistments in 2025

As mandatory military service continues to be a significant factor in the K-pop industry, several idols are expected to enlist in 2025. Here are some notable enlistments predicted for the year:

• Wanna Ones’ Kang Daniel

• NCT’s Doyoung

• GOT7’s Yugyeom

• SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi and Wonwoo (and maybe Woozi too)

• OnlyOneOf’s Rie

Other idols who might potentially enlist in 2025 include members from groups like ASTRO, The Boyz, and Stray Kids, as they reach the age for mandatory service. However, exact dates for many idols are yet to be confirmed.

Fans are now used to it tho. Plus if there are enlistments happening this year, there are also discharges! BTS members for example are about to have a huge comeback with all the members present and we might be getting ot7 before the year ends. Who knows.

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Still too early to tell what 2025 may bring to KPOP and the fans. But let us know if you have more exciting predictions in the comments section below!