\n\tThe Billboard K-Pop Artist 100 is back!<\/p>\n
\n\tThe 2025 ranking was compiled by Billboard Korea in partnership with Billboard based on each artist\u2019s achievements from October 2024 to September 2025 on the U.S.-based Billboard Hot 100<\/a> songs chart and Billboard 200<\/a> albums chart, along with the internationally reflective Billboard Global 200<\/a> songs chart, global Billboard Boxscore touring data and streaming and songs sales activity within Korea. Luminate is the streaming and sales source for all of the respective rankings (excluding Billboard Boxscore).<\/p>\n \n\tThe No. 1 spot goes to SEVENTEEN<\/a> and its 13 members, with consistent performance in the U.S., global and Korean markets. SEVENTEEN\u2019s decade-long career reached new heights this year, cementing its status as one of the most powerful K-pop groups. The act had an exceptionally active year \u2014 not only in touring, but also in album releases. Spill the Feels (November 2024) debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, while SEVENTEEN\u2019s most recent album, HAPPY BURSTDAY, debuted at No. 2<\/a> on the Billboard 200 in June. Additionally, three of the group\u2019s subunits \u2014 BSS, HOSHI X WOOZI and CxM (S.COUPS X MINGYU) \u2014 released albums that contributed to the brand\u2019s global dominance.<\/p>\n \n\tOne of the most groundbreaking moments of the year came from BLACKPINK<\/a>\u2019s Ros\u00e9<\/a>, whose collaboration with Bruno Mars on \u201cAPT.\u201d debuted at No. 8 on the Hot 100 in October 2024, making her the highest-charting solo female artist in K-pop history; the song went on to peak at No. 3 in February. She already earned chart honors as a member of BLACKPINK, the highest-charting K-pop girl group to date on the Hot 100.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tMeanwhile, Stray Kids<\/a> continued their record-breaking streak, achieving two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 with HOP in December 2024 and KARMA in August 2025. The albums helped make them the first act from any country to debut at No. 1 with its first seven chart entries on the Billboard 200 since the chart began publishing on a regular weekly basis in 1956.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tATEEZ<\/a> also reached a new milestone with Golden Hour: Part 2, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in November 2024, marking the group\u2019s second album to achieve this distinction. In 2025, ATEEZ appeared on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 with their album Golden Hour: Part 3 and the song \u201cLemon Drop,\u201d respectively.<\/p>\n \n\tAdditionally, TWICE<\/a>\u2019s fourth studio album THIS IS FOR remained on the Billboard 200 for 14 consecutive weeks since its release in July. \u201cStrategy\u201d and \u201cTAKEDOWN (JEONGYEON, JIHYO, CHAEYOUNG)\u201d from KPop Demon Hunters also received notable attention, peaking at No. 51 and No. 50 on the Hot 100, respectively.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tA closer look at the charts reveals several notable trends that defined the performance of the K- pop genre in the past year. First, groups that debuted after 2023 made a strong showing. BOYNEXTDOOR<\/a> placed five consecutive releases on the Billboard 200, while ILLIT<\/a> \u2014 who entered the Hot 100 with their debut track \u201cMagnetic\u201d \u2014 saw their album bomb hit the Billboard 200 this July. KATSEYE<\/a> is particularly dominant, with their EP Beautiful Chaos gaining steady momentum, and both \u201c Gnarly\u201d and \u201cGabriela\u201d entering the Hot 100, where \u201cGabriela\u201d peaked at No. 33. KATSEYE kicked of their first U.S. tour in November.<\/p>\n \n\tSecond, K-pop artists\u2019 solo activities stood out. Following Ros\u00e9, who released her first studio album Rosie in December 2024, all BLACKPINK members went on to to release albums or mini-albums as well. The group also returned with \u201cJump\u201d in July, debuting at No. 28 on the Hot 100. BLACKPINK, which kicked off their DEADLINE World Tour in July, has also announced a comeback scheduled for January. NCT<\/a> members Mark and Haecha launched their first solo albums, while i-dle\u2019s Minnie, Yuqi and Miyeon also continued individual promotions. Meanwhile, BTS<\/a> members JIN and j-hope, who completed service earlier, pursued solo releases and embarked on their first world tours as solo artists. All BTS members promised to come back in March, and will likely shake up the rankings once again.<\/p>\n \n\tA stark contrast between the U.S. and Korean music charts emerged in 2024. While bands like DAY6<\/a> experienced a phenomenal year in Korea \u2014 dominating domestic streaming platforms with both old and new hits (\u201cHappy,\u201d \u201cWelcome to the Show,\u201d \u201cTime of Our Life,\u201d \u201cYou Were Beautiful,\u201d and \u201cCongratulations\u201d) and selling out major venues, their success has yet to generate major attention in the U.S. market. The continued rise of Korean bands raises the question of whether the K-band genre will gain similar traction internationally in the coming years.<\/p>\n \n\tFinally, we cannot overlook the phenomenal success of KPop Demon Hunters. What kind of presence will the voices of HUNTR\/X<\/a> and Saja Boys<\/a>, born of the smash 2025 Netflix film, establish moving forward Keep your eyes on K-pop through the final moments of 2025.<\/p>\n \n\tFor the 2025 Billboard K-Pop Artist 100, group members are sometimes listed together, except for where notable solo or unit activity separates the artists. Member order generally follows the official listings provided by their agencies, though those on hiatus for military service are placed toward the bottom.<\/p>\n \tDAY6<\/p>\n \n\tCelebrating their 10th anniversary in 2025, DAY6 is a four-piece band under JYP Entertainment \u2014 the same label behind TWICE, ITZY\u00a0and\u00a0 Stray Kids. The members are SUNGJIN (vocals\/guitar), Young K (bass\/vocals), WONPIL (vocals\/keyboard) and DOWOON (drums). Even during their military service period, songs like \u201cYou Were Beautiful\u201d and \u201cTime of Our Life\u201d saw a resurgence on Korean streaming charts. In 2024, YouTube Music ranked DAY6 as the highest-charting male idol group of the year, and in 2025 they became the first Korean band ever to perform a solo stadium tour in celebration of their 10th anniversary. With their third world tour Forever Young held across 2024 and 2025, DAY6 visited 18 cities around the world.<\/p>\n \tRM (BTS)<\/p>\n \n\tThe leader and main rapper of BTS, RM began his solo career in 2015 with his first mixtape Rap Monster and officially changed his stage name to RM in 2017. His 2018 mixtape mono. topped the iTunes Album Chart worldwide, showcasing his strength as both a producer and lyricist. In 2022, his first studio album Indigo peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, setting a new record for the highest-ranking Korean solo artist at the time. His second album Right Place, Wrong Person reached No. 5 on the same chart. In 2026, he is set to hold a special exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art expanding his influence to art.<\/p>\n \tG-DRAGON<\/p>\n \n\tG-DRAGON is back! In October 2024, he resumed his solo career after seven years with the single \u201cPO\uffe6ER.\u201d In February, he dropped his third full-length album \u00dcbermensch and immediately kicked off his tour. His comeback dominated both global and Korean charts, proving that fans around the world had been eagerly awaiting his music. G-DRAGON is also set to perform with his fellow BIGBANG members at Coachella 2026.<\/p>\n \tP1Harmony<\/p>\n \n\tConsisting of six members \u2014 Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul and Jongseob \u2014 P1Harmony entered the Billboard 200 with four consecutive releases. In October, their first English-language album EX debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, underscoring their accelerating global rise. P1Harmony is also recognized for their dynamic stage presence. The group\u2019s new tour, P1ustage H: MOST WANTED, which kicked off in August, aims to reach 25 cities worldwide, including eight stops across North America.<\/p>\n \tKATSEYE<\/p>\n \n\tFormed through the global audition program The Debut: Dream Academy, KATSEYE is a multinational girl group under HYBE and Geffen Records that officially debuted on June 28, 2024. The six-member lineup \u2014 Daniela, Lara, Manon, Megan, Sophia and the only Korean member Yoonchae \u2014 made their debut in the United States. Their single \u201cGnarly\u201d reached No. 90 on the Hot 100 and their follow-up track \u201cGabriela\u201d climbed to No. 30 on the Nov. 15, 2025, chart, marking their highest placement yet. KATSEYE kicked off their first concert tour Beautiful Chaos in late November.<\/p>\n \tBOYNEXTDOOR<\/p>\n \n\tBOYNEXTDOOR (Seongho, Riwoo, Myeong Jaehyeon, Taesan, Ihan and Unhak) \u2014 who debuted in 2023 \u2014 is quickly emerging as one of K-pop\u2019s fastest-rising acts. The group\u2019s 4th EP: No Genre, released last May, debuted at No. 62 on the Billboard 200, marking their fourth entry on the chart \u2014 an impressive streak for a rookie group less than two years into its career. BOYNEXTDOOR also achieved its first-ever No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 with \u201cCount to Love\u201d from\u00a0 BOYLIFE. Adding to their growing global presence, the sextet made a successful appearance at Lollapalooza. The team, which has been ranking high not only on the U.S. and global charts but also on Korean charts, made their comeback in October with new EP The Action.<\/p>\n \tShuhua (i-dle)<\/p>\n \n\tYeh Shuhua is\u00a0the youngest of the group. Originally a theater major at an arts high school, she shifted her dream from acting to K-pop after being captivated by its performance energy. Known for her bold, witty personality, she has shown remarkable improvement in vocals and stage presence since the group reorganized as five members.<\/p>\n \tYuqi (i-dle)<\/p>\n \n\tInspired by Super Junior to pursue K-pop, Yuqi passed Cube Entertainment\u2019s audition and moved to Korea during high school. She regularly contributes to songwriting and composition, having co-written and composed \u201cGiant\u201d from her first solo single A Page. She released her first solo EP in 2024, followed by the single \u201cMotivation\u201d in 2025, further establishing herself as a multifaceted artist.<\/p>\n \tSoyeon\u00a0(i-dle)<\/p>\n \n\tSoyeon is the act\u2019s leader, main rapper and creative core. Before debut, she gained recognition through Produce 101 and Unpretty Rapstar 3. Since debuting in 2018, Soyeon has written, composed and produced most of i-dle\u2019s title tracks, shaping the team\u2019s distinct musical and visual identity. She continues to expand her influence as a producer.<\/p>\n \tMinnie (i-dle)<\/p>\n \n\tWith her dreamy, otherworldly tone, Minnie broadens the group\u2019s identity. A prolific songwriter and composer, Minnie released her first solo mini-album HER in January, cementing her position as a producer\/artist. Fluent in Thai, Korean and English, she continues to explore acting and fashion alongside her music career.<\/p>\n \tMiyeon (i-dle)<\/p>\n \n\tMain vocalist Miyeon is known for her clear tone and steady vocal control. Beyond her flawless stage presence, her candid and down-to-earth charm endears her to fans. She released her first solo album in 2022 and co-produced the 2025 single \u201cSky Walking,\u201d expanding her range as a singer\/songwriter. Her solo project My Lover arrived last month.<\/p>\n \tV (BTS)<\/p>\n \n\tV is known for his soulful tone and striking visuals that captivate fans worldwide. His 2023 solo album Layover debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest-charting position for a K-pop solo album to date. The title track \u201cSlow Dancing\u201d entered the Hot 100 at No. 51, while \u201cLove Me Again\u201d and \u201cRainy Days\u201d also appeared on\u00a0Billboard\u2019s global charts. After opening his Instagram account, he set multiple Guinness World Records by becoming the fastest person to surpass 1 million followers and then attained 65 million followers, solidifying his status as a globally influential artist whose every move draws attention.<\/p>\n \tLisa (BLACKPINK)<\/p>\n \n\tBorn in Thailand, Lisa became YG Entertainment\u2019s first non-Korean artist and debuted in 2016 as BLACKPINK\u2019s rapper, dancer and vocalist. Her 2021 solo debut album LALISA entered the Hot 100, earning her global acclaim, while the B-side track \u201cMoney\u201d became the first song by a K-pop solo artist to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify. She currently holds the highest number of Instagram followers among K-pop artists worldwide \u2014 approximately 100 million \u2014 and graced the global cover of Billboard Magazine\u00a0 in November 2024. She also made strides as an actress, starring in season 3 of HBO\u2019s White Lotus, premiering in February.<\/p>\n \tIroha (ILLIT)<\/p>\n \n\tIroha began her trainee life at JYP Entertainment in 2019 before competing on R U Next?, where she placed fifth and earned a spot in the debut lineup. She currently serves as the group\u2019s main dancer.<\/p>\n \tWonhee (ILLIT)<\/p>\n \n\tWonhee became a trainee after being street-cast by BELIFT LAB. When she appeared on the survival audition program R U Next?, she had trained for only about one month \u2014 and by the show\u2019s finale, just around 11 weeks \u2014 making her the member with the shortest trainee period. Despite that, she ranked first in the final episode and joined the debut lineup of ILLIT, where she now serves as the group\u2019s lead vocalist.<\/p>\n \tMoka (ILLIT)<\/p>\n \n\tMoka joined HYBE LABELS JAPAN in 2020 and transferred to HYBE\u2019s BELIFT LAB in 2022 to compete on R U Next? Her delicate emotional delivery helps refine and complete ILLIT\u2019s sound.<\/p>\n \tMinju (ILLIT)<\/p>\n \n\tMinju began her trainee journey at YG Entertainment in 2018, training for about three years before joining HYBE\u2019s BELIFT LAB in 2021 to participate in the survival audition program R U Next? Finishing third, she earned her place in ILLIT\u2019s debut lineup. She has said that singing makes her feel happiest and most natural, and she is recognized as an all-rounder with strong skills in vocals, visuals, dance and rap.<\/p>\n \tYunah (ILLIT)<\/p>\n \n\tSince debuting in April 2024 as the first girl group under ENHYPEN\u2019s label BELIFT LAB, ILLIT have built their own\u00a0musical world with clear and catchy concepts. Yunah began her trainee journey at Fantagio in late 2017. With years of training behind her, she now serves as the group\u2019s lead vocalist and, as the eldest member, provides a steady and reliable presence.<\/p>\n \tj-hope (BTS)<\/p>\n \n\tj-hope is BTS\u2019 main dancer and rapper, as well as an accomplished solo artist. His 2018 mixtape Hope World peaked at No. 38 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest chart position ever achieved by a Korean solo artist at the time. In 2019, his single \u201cChicken Noodle Soup\u201d featuring Becky G entered the Hot 100 at No. 81, making him the first BTS member to chart solo. In 2023, \u201cOn the Street (with J. Cole)\u201d reached No. 60 on the Hot 100, followed by \u201cKillin\u2019 It Girl (feat. GloRilla),\u201d which reached No. 40 in 2025. He also made history as the first Korean solo artist to headline Lollapalooza Chicago.<\/p>\n \tNewJeans<\/p>\n \n\tA five-member girl group under ADOR (Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin and Hyein), NewJeans debuted in 2022. Their debut songs \u201cAttention\u201d and \u201cHype Boy\u201d sparked a sensation with a fresh musical direction that broke from traditional K-pop formulas, paired with a nostalgic, retro-inspired visual. Following hits such as \u201cDitto,\u201d \u201cOMG,\u201d \u201cSuper Shy\u201d and \u201cETA,\u201d they established themselves as a new icon of K-pop and the act was featured in Billboard\u2019s \u00a021 Under 21 list for two consecutive years. While they haven\u2019t been able to carry out any musical activities since their last stage at ComplexCon in Hong Kong in March, the charts show that countless people around the world are still listening to NewJeans\u2019 music. Since their legal dispute has now been resolved, with the five members returning to ADOR in November, we may look forward to NewJeans\u2019 new music in 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n \tJisung (NCT DREAM)<\/p>\n \n\tJisung joined SM Entertainment at just 12 years old, quickly gaining recognition for his exceptional dance skills. In recent years, he\u2019s also been showcasing his warm and distinctive vocal tone, adding a new layer of color to NCT DREAM\u2019s music. Known for his deep, expressive voice, Jisung especially stands out in tracks like \u201c\u2018Bout You\u201d from the group\u2019s fifth album.<\/p>\n \tChenle (NCT DREAM)<\/p>\n \n\tAlongside Haechan and Renjun, Chenle is one of the key voices of NCT DREAM. Born in Shanghai, he showed his talent early on \u2014 releasing albums as a child even before joining the group. His stable high notes and naturally powerful vocals are his greatest strengths. Offstage, Chenle continues to shine through his personal passions, including basketball and cooking.<\/p>\n \tJaemin (NCT DREAM)<\/p>\n \n\tAlongside Jeno, Jaemin stands out in NCT DREAM with a strong presence onstage. Known for his distinctive voice and rap, he often takes on many of the group\u2019s show-stealing parts in NCT DREAM\u2019s songs.<\/p>\n \tJeno (NCT DREAM)<\/p>\n \n\tJeno commands a unique stage presence, captivating audiences in concerts and live performances. He has also contributed as a featured artist on tracks by senior SM Entertainment artists, including KEY and Super Junior\u2019s DONGHAE.<\/p>\n \tRenjun (NCT DREAM)<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cThanks to the members and fans who waited for me, and most of all, to myself for overcoming and returning to the stage,\u201d Renjun said during Dream Show 4 after a six-month hiatus due to health issues. His heartfelt words were met with overwhelming support from both his fellow members and the audience. For a closer look at Renjun\u2019s delicate emotional expression and soft, airy vocals, be sure to check out his cover songs uploaded on NCT\u2019s official channel.<\/p>\n \tHaechan (NCT 127, NCT DREAM)\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tAlong with Mark, Haechan successfully balances activities with both NCT 127 and NCT DREAM, showcasing a truly distinctive vocal tone. A lifelong fan of Michael Jackson, he has expressed his love for R&B from an early age. In September, he broadened his artistic range by releasing his first solo album, TASTE, which reflects his diverse musical tastes.<\/p>\n \tMark (NCT 127, NCT DREAM)<\/p>\n