K-POP in 2025: Expanding Global Reach Through Full-Group Comebacks and World Tours

The K-POP industry is entering a period of transformation and growth in 2025. Several major developments are set to significantly reshape the market, including BTS’s full-group comeback scheduled for June, SM Entertainment’s 30th anniversary festival, and BLACKPINK’s new release. All members of BTS will have completed their military service by June 21, when SUGA finishes his service. The group is reportedly preparing a new studio album and world tour to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their “Map of the Soul” series this year. However, due to SUGA’s previous drunk driving offense, a full-group performance is unlikely in the near term. Fans expect to see the members’ solo activities first, with a complete BTS reunion possibly occurring around next year. BLACKPINK, after two years of individual activities, plans to release new music in May and launch a world tour covering Asia, North America, and Europe to engage their global fanbase. Jennie and Lisa have already achieved great success with their solo careers, while Rosé gained massive popularity worldwide with her song “Apartment,” dominating global charts. SM Entertainment will hold “SMTOWN LIVE 2025” at Gochek Sky Dome on February 14 to mark its 30th anniversary. Not only BOA, TVXQ!, and aespa, but also first-generation stars such as Tony An from H.O.T. and Bada from S.E.S. have confirmed their appearances. SM has driven K-POP’s development by producing iconic artists like H.O.T., BOA, TVXQ!, EXO, and aespa, and it is set to debut a new girl group for the first time in five years this year. Stray Kids have solidified their position as leaders in K-POP by holding the top spot on the Billboard 200 for six consecutive weeks and surpassing 3 billion streams on Spotify in the United States in 2024. In 2025, they plan to target the global market with a large-scale world tour that includes stadium shows in North America. JYP Entertainment will debut a six-member boy group named KickFlip in January, which incorporates street dance and skateboarding culture, while YG Entertainment is also preparing new idols. Music critics predict that the world tours of these major artists along with the emergence of new groups will provide strong momentum for the expansion of K-POP’s global market.