According to Billboard’s midyear critics’ list, BLACKPINK’s Jennie, NMIXX, and ATEEZ have all delivered some of he most exciting and daring K-pop tracks in 2025. The music outlet compiled 25 KPop tracks as some of the year’s finest, with major groups, solo acts, and a wide diversity of genres in every entry.
Let’s break down their top 10:
10. SHINee – “Poet | Artist”
An emotional tribute to late member Jonghyun, blending his demo vocals with new ones from the members.
9. IU – “Never Ending Story”
IU turns a classic Korean rock ballad into an orchestral song, showing once again why she’s South Korea’s sweetheart.
8. DAY6 – “Maybe Tomorrow”
A tender rock ballad with Young K’s lyrics offering comfort and hope.
7. ZEROBASEONE – “BLUE”
With shimmering synths and sky-high vocals, this emotional dance-pop is all about nostalgia and moving
6. MEOVV – “DROP TOP”
THEBLACKLABEL’s rookie group goes all out with a vocal-focused track about moving on.
5. MARK – “1999”
NCT’s MARK channels Prince and drops bars about identity, ambition, and legacy.
4. H1-KEY – “Summer Was You”
A rock-pop anthem that’s all about nostalgia and recalling summer dreams.
3. ATEEZ – “Lemon Drop”
ATEEZ swaps their usual intensity for a chilled R&B vibe that recalls previous work by DJ Mustard.
2. NMIXX – “High Horse”
A moody, trip-hop masterpiece that builds from whispers to full vocal power. With lyrics about self-worth, this one is definitely a highlight in the group’s discography.
- BLACKPINK’s JENNIE – “Like Jennie”
This is not just a flex. Jennie’s solo hit mixes phonk and funk with big bars, proving she can clap back at the haters while making fans dance.