Recently, News1 conducted a survey among K-pop industry professionals to determine the most eagerly awaited artist of 2025. A total of 34 experts from music agencies participated, each naming one artist or group and providing their reasoning. BTS topped the list with a total of 5 votes.
At the height of their global popularity, BTS temporarily paused group activities as members began their military service. Jin enlisted in December 2022, J-Hope followed in April 2023, Suga began his alternative service in September 2023, and RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook enlisted as active-duty soldiers in December 2023.
Despite this hiatus, BTS members’ solo releases continued to receive immense love. Jungkook’s July 2023 single “Seven (feat. Latto)” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and his November full-length solo album “Golden” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, reaffirming the group’s global impact.
As the members begin to complete their military duties, anticipation for their group activities in 2025 is growing. Jin was discharged in June last year, and J-Hope completed his service in October. The remaining members are expected to finish their duties by June this year, heightening expectations for BTS’s full-group return.
One music industry insider who voted for BTS commented, “Their return as a complete group in 2025 is highly anticipated, and I look forward to their activities.”
Another remarked, “By June 2025, all BTS members will have completed their military service. Even during their hiatus, they maintained their dominance in K-pop, making their return all the more exciting.”
This expert also noted, “Just the news of BTS’s return is enough to cause HYBE’s stock to surge and shift the outlook of the K-pop industry, underscoring their unparalleled influence.”
Meanwhile, BIGBANG member G-Dragon followed BTS in the survey, receiving 4 votes. After releasing his solo single “POWER” in 2024, his upcoming third full-length album, featuring the pre-release single “HOME SWEET HOME,” has raised expectations. Additionally, the album is expected to include collaborations with BIGBANG members Taeyang and Daesung, marking a partial group reunion.
Additionally, aespa ranked third with 3 votes, while RIIZE and MEOVV tied for fourth with 2 votes each.
The full ranking is as below:
- BTS (5 votes)
- G-Dragon (4 votes)
- aespa (3 votes)
- RIIZE and MEOVV (2 votes each)
- Various artists (1 votes each): 82MAJOR, IST Entertainment rookie girl group, NewJeans, Dynamic Duo, DAY6, LUCY, RESCENE, MONSTA X, BADBILLION, SEVENTEEN BSS, BLACKPINK, IVE, ATEEZ, N.Flying, YOUNG POSSE, YOUNITE, PLAVE, WHIB.
On the other hand, the 34 industry professionals include representatives from HYBE, SM, YG, JYP, Jellyfish, FNC, YueHua, WAKEONE, C-Jes, AT AREA, WM, The Black Label, Woollim, IST, Antenna, C9, ATTRAKT, Brand New Music, Cube, and more.
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