I’ll take a look at K-pop’s established artists tomorrow, but I like to share my thoughts about this year’s rookies first.
For me, 2025 was defined by its rookies. This is probably my most competitive countdown this year, as there were so many new groups I found compelling. Surprisingly, many of these emerged from survival series. I don’t usually consider that a pipeline for great, idiosyncratic music, but agencies have seemed to learn the importance of giving their rookie artists a distinct voice. Those artists who felt more focused tended to do better in my ranking. Still, there’s very little room between many of these acts.
Unlike my Top 50 countdown, any group who debuted in this calendar year is eligible. Before I break down my picks, here are a few honorable mentions:
AM8IC
AxMxP
idntt
Kiii Kiii
KIIRAS
NEWBEAT
RE:WIND
XLOV
Click for last year’s rookie countdown
10. 1VERSE
I’ll always support a scrappy underdog energy. 1VERSE might not have much music to their name, but they’ve already broken milestones with their global approach and they boast some of the most entertaining DIY variety material of any group.
Singles released: Multiverse // Shattered
9. BABY DONT CRY
I’m still not totally sold on their pair of debut-era singles, but I DONT CARE‘s synth-infused melodrama won me over and I sense more solid music on the horizon for them.
Singles released: Bet You’ll Regret It // F Girl // I DONT CARE
8. IFEYE
Both of ifeye’s 2025 songs grew on me immensely, especially their summer dance track R U OK?. They’ve got everything it takes to hit big. Now, they simply need to find their own musical voice that stands out among their many peers.
Singles released: Nerdy // R U OK?
7. ALLDAY PROJECT
ALLDAY PROJECT were probably the most successful breakout of the year and proof that co-ed groups could still conquer the charts. A mixed track record (for every hit, they released a total dud) keeps them from climbing higher on my own list, but I find them to be an exciting prospect.
Singles released: Famous // Look At Me // One More Time // Wicked
6. IDID
So far, IDID haven’t harnessed the sound I’d hoped they would, but they’ve managed to make overused tropes their own with a swaggering energy and youthful zest. This resulted in a series of tracks that only grew more addictive with time, proving the group’s longevity.
Singles released: CHAN-RAN // Push Back // Step It Up
5. HEARTS2HEARTS
By all accounts, a new SM Entertainment group should be higher on my list. I have a feeling Hearts2Hearts will get there eventually, but for now I found their debut year decidedly mixed. However, Style jumped out as the agency’s strongest single of 2025 and the group feels well-balanced to tackle a variety of sounds in the future.
Singles released: Butterflies // Focus // Pretty Please // Style // The Chase
4. KICKFLIP
Some new acts slay you right away with their debut. Others take a few comebacks to really connect. For me, KickFlip were the latter. However, slow and steady wins the race and I found myself more interested in their music each time they made a comeback. That’s a great sign for a rookie group and if they can keep this trajectory going we’re in for a real treat.
Singles released: Band-Aid // Freeze // Knock Knock // Mama Said // My First Love Song // Umm Great
3. CLOSE YOUR EYES
The creative direction for Close Your Eyes has been unreal this year. They feel like a boutique idol group with every element curated rather than pulled from the bargain bin of song camp constructions. Their laidback debut made a strong impression, opting for a different tone than their peers. They went on to showcase versatility throughout the year, all while maintaining their unique artistic vision. I’m very charmed by their output and can’t wait to see which direction they take next.
Singles released: All My Poetry // Paint Candy // Snowy Summer // SOB // X
2. NOUERA
NouerA are a K-pop lovers K-pop group, harnessing so many of the industry’s classic sounds. Their music pulls a bit from each generation, wrapping nostalgia in modern trappings to craft a style that really stands out. Their partnership with legendary producer e.one has steered them to great success and I hope it continues into the new year. And of all the groups on this list, NouerA boast the strongest albums. Some of their best material wasn’t even promoted, meaning there should be a lot to look forward to in 2026.
Singles released: N (Number Of Cases) // N.I.N (New Is Now)
1. AHOF
So many of this year’s rookies came from survival series, most of which I didn’t watch. So when AHOF debuted at the beginning of July, I went into their music blind. I was quickly won over by their dramatic sound, and that admiration deepened as I went back to watch Universe League and their album became a firm fixture on my playlist. Then, they returned with another knockout track and it became clear that we’ve got something special on our hands.
AHOF placed two songs in my top ten this year, which is pretty rare for a rookie group. They’ve got a fantastic collaborator in former-idol-turned-producer EL CAPITXN, who seems to have a clear vision for their sound. The members represent six different countries, bringing a global flair and cultural diversity to the mix. They’re hilarious on variety shows, with colorful characteristics that set them apart from other idol groups. In summary, their resume is already very strong and buoyed by a dedicated fanbase that’s given them huge success right out of the gate. That success is clearly deserved and seems poised to expand even further in 2026.
Singles released: Pinocchio // Rendezvous // The Universe