[Arts & Culture] Why 2025 will be a huge year for K-pop

Time now for our weekly Arts and Culture segment.

As always, we're joined by our culture correspondent Song Yoo-jin.

Welcome!

Good evening.

What do you have for us today?

During our first Arts and Culture segment of the year, I mentioned that 2025 would be a big year for K-pop.

This year, all BTS members will complete their military service, BLACKPINK is getting ready to drop new music and hit the road for a world tour.

But the excitement isn't just about the industry giants.

A new wave of rookie K-pop groups is already turning heads, some even before their official debut.

Let's take a closer look.

These boys are among the rising stars breaking into the world of K-pop this year.

2025 is shaping up to be a dynamic year for the industry, with a fresh wave of rookie groups lined up.

Three of K-pop's biggest entertainment agencies are preparing to debut highly anticipated new groups.

First up is JYP Entertainment's KickFlip.

Even before their official debut on January 20th, the boy group was named on Grammy.com's list of "Rookie K-pop Acts to Watch in 2025."

And they are having a strong start, with their debut album "Flip It, Kick It!" topping two domestic music charts in the fourth week of January.

"The group's vibe is really upbeat and lively. These days, people want boy groups to exude a bright, energetic presence, so in that sense, I think they nailed their image."

Coming up next is SM's first girl group since Aepsa's debut five years ago: Hearts2Hearts.

The eight-member group is ready to steal the hearts of K-pop fans when they officially debut on February 24th.

"SM's identity under former producer Lee Soo-man has been less about relatable, down-to-earth K-pop groups, but more about crafting myth-like figures, who seem distinct from typical teens or young adults.

But now, artists need to connect with their fans on a more personal and emotional level. The question is how well they can pull it off this time."

Last but not least is YG Entertainment.

"Our new group, tentatively named Next Monster is waiting for their debut. We're looking forward to introducing them to fans soon."

The label's newest group remains a mystery, with little information out there, except for one thing: YG is set to unveil them this year.

"There are quite a few trainees at YG preparing for their debut. We'll reveal more details, including the official debut date, at a later time."

With fresh talent, bold sounds, and new stories to tell, these rising stars are ready to take the spotlight.

Can't wait to see what this new generation of artists will bring to K-pop.

Yoo-jin, let's now put our focus on the relatively established groups.

I heard some of them have exciting news this week.

You're right.

I want to mention BLACKPINK's Rose, as she shattered her own record this week and set a new milestone for a K-pop female artist on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

Rose's collaboration with American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars for "APT." ranked third on the chart this week.

This is, once again, the highest any female K-pop artist has reached on this globally acclaimed weekly chart.

The previous record was also set by "APT." placing fifth for the second week of January.

The song made Rose the first K-pop female artist to break into the chart's top 10 last October, debuting at number eight on the chart.

We'll see how far the song will go.

When we talk about K-pop's appeal, it's not just about the music, it's the full experience.

The visuals, the choreography, and the performances all come to life, especially at concerts.

And I hear there's an exciting concert event for K-pop fans to look forward to.

Can you tell us more?

Absolutely.

Over the past few years, we've seen a rise in concert films here in Korea, bringing the live experience to the big screen.

The latest group to join this trend is the K-pop girl group Red Velvet.

Their concert film "Red Velvet Happiness Diary: My Dear, Reve1uv In Cinemas" will premiere in theaters across Korea next Wednesday, February 5th.

Ticket sales just opened today, and fans can relive the energy of Red Velvet's Seoul fan concert, which celebrated its 10th debut anniversary last year.

Sounds exciting.

Thank you Yoo-jin for your report today.

As always, my pleasure.