Rising Stars Like KickFlip and Hearts2Hearts Boost K-POP Market as BTS, TWICE, and aespa Return

The K-POP market in 2025 is gaining momentum from the Debut of new artists and the return of major groups. KickFlip is a seven-member boy band under JYP Entertainment, named after a skateboarding technique that involves spinning a board 360 degrees in mid-air before landing. Formed around leader Kei, the group aims to “turn the world upside down in new ways,” conveying through their debut EP’s first track “Mama Said” that they will ignore clichéd advice and follow their own path. They have released three EPs at intervals of about four months since January this year. Hearts2Hearts, a new girl group from SM Entertainment, consists of eight members including Stella, who holds dual Canadian citizenship, and Carmen from Bali, Indonesia. As the first SM girl group in 4 years and 3 months since aespa, it has attracted significant attention; since its Debut at the end of February, the group has released three singles and one EP. KiiiKiii from Starship Entertainment takes its name from the sound of laughter and strives for “harmony that respects individual personalities within a free atmosphere.” The group, which features Kiya, born in 2010, as its rapper, has released tracks such as “Debut Song,” “I Do Me,” “DANCING ALONE,” and “BTG” following that release. Close Your Eyes from Uncore is a boy band formed through the audition program “PROJECT 7.” Since its Debut in April, it has released three EPs, with its debut EP containing 8 tracks and offering a volume comparable to that of a full-length album. Meanwhile, the activities of major groups in the second half of 2025 are also drawing focus to the K-POP market. aespa from SM Entertainment, which dominated charts last year with tracks like “Armageddon,” “Supernova,” and “Whiplash,” is preparing to release new music in June. Member Karina hinted during a recent livestream that fans who liked aespa’s “metallic” sound would enjoy this new track. aespa is a top-tier group that has achieved five consecutive million-copy album sales. BLACKPINK from YG Entertainment will hold its “Deadline” world tour, starting on July 5 and 6 in Goyang, Gangwon, more than two years after releasing their “Born Pink” studio album. The tour includes 31 performances in 16 cities, during which new singles and songs will be unveiled. Members Jennie and Lisa continued to expand the group’s global influence by performing at Coachella Music Festival in April this year. BTS from Big Hit Music has all its members back from military service and is preparing to return to the stage in the second half of 2025. Music critic Im Hee-yoon analyzed that “for aespa, the ‘Synk: Parallel Line’ tour demonstrated strong ticket power in the United States and Europe, and since the group’s identity is firmly established, strong results can be expected simply through its brand power.”