Top K-POP Comebacks of the First Half of 2025: ATEEZ’s “Lemon Drop,” BLACKPINK’s “Jump,” and TXT’s “Beautiful Strangers”

Contact Music has identified three of the best K-POP comebacks for 2025. As the lineup of new K-POP songs for this year is still being finalized, several notable projects are set to release soon, including a collaboration single by TWICE featuring rapper Saweetie (on August 1) and Stray Kids’ album “Karma” (on August 22). **1st Place: ATEEZ’s “Lemon Drop”** ATEEZ’s “Lemon Drop” was rated as a refreshing K-POP summer anthem that captivated fans. Moving away from the grand beats and high-pitched vocals seen in their debut tracks “Pirate King” and “Treasure,” this single features a sultry and smooth sound carefully blended with R&B and hip-hop elements. It reminds listeners of classic hits like Tinashe’s “2 On” and Jeremih’s “Don’t Tell Em” that resemble DJ Mustard’s style, earning it the title of an essential summer track. **2nd Place: Katseye’s “Gnarly”** Katseye, part of the emerging generation in K-POP, has gained attention in online K-POP communities. This global girl group was formed through HYBE and Geffen Records’ collaboration via the reality competition “Dream Academy” in 2023. Aside from that background, “Gnarly” is a track that grabs attention by combining some of the most attractive elements of the K-POP genre. Its chaotic electronic sounds, confident lyrics, and energetic choreography together create a highly addictive track. **3rd Place: TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s “Beautiful Strangers”** TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s latest comeback song, “Beautiful Strangers,” from Bighit Music, is regarded as the pinnacle of the group’s music as the final installment in the Star Chapter saga. Within its melancholic and passionate electronic sound that echoes BTS’s “I Need U,” the powerful vocals of the five members and their melodic ad-libs stand out. This song has solidified its place as the epic finale to the Star Chapter series. Meanwhile, in July’s K-POP new song lineup, BABYMONSTER kicked off the month with their catchy single “HOT SAUCE,” filled with retro energy, while KARD once again proved the peak of adult K-POP idols with their eighth mini-album “DRIFT.” Jeon Somi delivered a retro comeback that showcased her unique sense of style with “EXTRA,” Doh Kyung Soo presented a highly polished solo project with his full-length album “BLISS,” and CLOSE YOUR EYES added freshness with their mini-album “Snowy Summer.”