K-pop in 2025 has taken over the internet once again. From chart-topping comebacks to surprise releases from rising stars, this year has already delivered some of the most viral songs in recent memory. With TikTok trends, YouTube challenges, and fan-driven streaming campaigns pushing these tracks to the top, these songs didn’t just gain popularity; they became cultural moments. Whether it’s catchy hooks, powerful choreography, or emotional storytelling, each viral song had something special that made fans and casual listeners alike hit replay.
Let’s dive into the 10 new K-pop songs that went viral in 2025 and took the global music scene by storm.
1. NewJeans (Super Shy 2.0)
NewJeans made a bold move by releasing a reimagined version of their 2023 hit, and it paid off massively. “Super Shy 2.0” kept the light-hearted charm of the original but added deeper bass, more mature vocals, and a dreamy synth-pop vibe that connected with both old and new fans. Within hours, it became a trending sound on TikTok, sparking a dance challenge that even non-K-pop influencers joined in on. The group’s minimalist, retro concept helped the song go viral across platforms, making it their biggest hit yet in 2025.
2. ZEROBASEONE (Phantom Heart)
ZEROBASEONE delivered one of the most dramatic and visually stunning comebacks of the year with “Phantom Heart.” This emotional dance-pop track blends powerful vocals with orchestral instrumentals and haunting synths. The music video, filled with surreal imagery and storytelling, was shared widely for its cinematic feel. Fans were captivated not only by the melody but by the mystery behind the lyrics, which led to trending hashtags, fan theories, and millions of views in just a few days. It didn’t take long for “Phantom Heart” to dominate Korean and international charts.
3. BLACKPINK (Venomous)
After a brief hiatus, BLACKPINK returned stronger than ever with “Venomous.” The song combines fierce rap verses with hypnotic EDM drops, showing a more aggressive and experimental side of the group. Jisoo’s intense visuals and Lisa’s viral choreography played a major role in the track’s popularity. The performance video reached over 100 million views in its first week, and the “snake bite” dance move became one of the most replicated on short-form video platforms. “Venomous” also made waves in Western media, securing BLACKPINK’s place at the center of global pop culture once again.
4. RIIZE (Rush Hour)
RIIZE broke out in a big way this year with “Rush Hour,” an energetic and addictive track that blends funk, house, and R&B. The song’s retro-inspired production and smooth vocals gave it a nostalgic yet modern feel. What made it viral was the street-style dance performance filmed in real public places, giving fans a spontaneous and exciting vibe. Clips from their flash-mob-style showcases went viral on Instagram and TikTok, helping “Rush Hour” trend globally. It quickly became a summer anthem, played everywhere from Seoul cafes to global K-pop playlists.
5. ILLIT (Magnetic Love)
The rookie group ILLIT captured hearts worldwide with “Magnetic Love,” a cute yet sophisticated song with an electronic-pop base. The track was light and bouncy, with an ultra-catchy chorus that got stuck in your head after just one listen. But it wasn’t just the song; it was the aesthetics of the music video, filled with pastel tones, film-camera effects, and dreamy visuals, that helped it go viral. Fans began recreating the video’s visuals in their own style, leading to viral trends and edits that boosted ILLIT’s global recognition significantly.
6. Stray Kids (Breakout)
Stray Kids are no strangers to going viral, and in 2025, they did it again with “Breakout.” This explosive track combined rock elements, trap beats, and powerful vocal layering. The lyrics, which talk about escaping limits and breaking norms, struck a chord with fans, especially Gen Z listeners. The performance video with its aggressive choreography, flashing lights, and cinematic cuts became a top trending video on YouTube within 48 hours. “Breakout” also sparked a meme trend on TikTok where users acted out their own “breakout moments” to the song’s chorus.
7. LE SSERAFIM (Angel or Not)
LE SSERAFIM’s “Angel or Not” blurred the line between innocence and rebellion, delivering a song that felt edgy yet elegant. With sleek production, whispery vocals, and a mysterious beat drop, the track was unlike anything else released this year. The group’s stage outfits and lighting aesthetics became fashion inspiration for influencers, while the duality concept of being “angelic but dangerous” sparked debates and creative content online. The song’s viral momentum was driven by aesthetic dance covers and video edits that emphasized its dreamy, ethereal tone.
8. ATEEZ (Crimson Crown)
ATEEZ returned with “Crimson Crown,” a powerful anthem filled with cinematic build-ups and dark fantasy themes. The storytelling in the song and the video was on another level, leading fans to call it “K-pop’s version of Game of Thrones.” With pirate-inspired styling, dramatic sets, and intense choreography, the group delivered one of the most visually and musically ambitious projects of the year. The song went viral not just for its epic feel, but also because it was used widely in fan-made video edits across anime, K-drama, and fantasy fandoms.
9. TWS (Bloom Mode)
TWS surprised everyone with “Bloom Mode,” a soft pop track that mixed lo-fi sounds with poetic lyrics about personal growth. The song slowly gained popularity through Spotify and Instagram reels, becoming an unexpected viral success. Fans were drawn to its calming mood and heartfelt storytelling. What pushed the song to viral levels was the slow-dance trend that started on TikTok, where people danced with friends or partners under spring blossoms. The warm message of the song and its slow-building melody made it a favorite for emotional content and nostalgic edits.
10. BOYNEXTDOOR (Click Click Boom)
BOYNEXTDOOR ended the first half of 2025 with a bang, literally, with their song “Click Click Boom.” It’s a bold mix of hip-hop, punk, and pop energy, packed with charisma and attitude. The song’s fast pace, shout-along chorus, and cheeky lyrics made it instantly appealing to a younger audience. Their energetic live stages and school-themed performance video added even more fuel to the viral fire. The “click click boom” hand gesture became a signature move online, appearing in thousands of dance covers and meme videos worldwide.
Bottom line
K-pop in 2025 is proving once again that it’s not just a genre; it’s a global force. These viral songs captured hearts, screens, and speakers across the planet, turning moments into movements. Whether through unique sounds, captivating performances, or fan-powered trends, each of these tracks became part of the culture this year.
From seasoned icons to fast-rising rookies, the artists on this list show that the future of K-pop continues to evolve in exciting, unpredictable ways. And if the rest of 2025 is anything like this, we’re in for even more hits that break records and bring people together across borders.
