5 K-pop acts who deserve to headline Coachella, with BTS, aespa, and more

Credit to Screen Rant for stirring up the ultimate K-pop wish list: names like BTS and aespa, totally seeming viable to command the stage in Coachella 2026. With BLACKPINK breaking the mold as the first Korean headliners in 2023 and more K-pop acts lighting up the fest in 2025, it’s clear the genre’s takeover is far from over.

Screen Rant names K-pop artists that should headline Coachella:

1. BTS
2. ATEEZ
3. aespa
4. BIGBANG
5. Taemin

These artists are suggested as potential headliners, bringing their unique energy and global appeal to the festival.

🔗https://t.co/a2JSE5t6DM pic.twitter.com/hNRWmKxsGM

— Pop Core (@TheePopCore) April 19, 2025

Let’s break down the acts who could slay the stage last year at the festival:

#5.Taemin – A legend in his own right, Taemin blends the charisma of Michael Jackson with the edge of modern K-pop. From SHINee’s youngest to a solo icon, he’s inspired idols across generations, with even BTS’ Jimin citing him as an influence.

#4.BIGBANG – The kings of second-gen K-pop were this close to gracing Coachella in 2020 until it was cancelled due to COVID. Now, with G-Dragon’s comeback heating up and a surprise stage reunion in 2024, the timing has never been better. Whether it’s the full trio or just GD solo with a “BANG BANG BANG” surprise, they are totally viable.

#3. aespa – These futuristic queens already performed at the festival Coachella in 2022. Fast forward to now: they’ve dropped bangers, won big awards, and evolved into live divas. Songs like “Drama” and “Armageddon” would tear up the festival stage.

#2. ATEEZ – From underdogs to undeniable festival beasts, ATEEZ proved themselves with a jaw-dropping debut at Coachella 2024. Their high-energy set and viral vocals earned them new fans and enchanted older supporters. Headliners next year? Looks deserved!

#1. BTS – The blueprint. With a full group reunion on the horizon post-military, BTS returning with a bang in late 2025 feels inevitable. What better stage to celebrate than Coachella? A headline set would be the ultimate comeback party for the world’s biggest boy band and it would just be fair for them to grace the crowd at the dessert.