Another wonderful year has passed. 2025 has come to an end, and 2026 is here.
2025 proved to be another defining year for K-pop, marked by bold experimentation, artistic growth, and albums that pushed the genre in exciting new directions. From chart-topping releases by established acts to standout projects from rising artists, the year delivered no shortage of music worth revisiting.
Out of the countless albums released throughout 2025, a select few left a lasting impression on the allkpop staff—projects we kept coming back to long after their release. Here are the K-pop albums of 2025 that the allkpop staff loved the most.
Susan Han
DAY6 - 'The Decade'
It's curated very much like a movie soundtrack album. The kind of movie where the main character chases after their dreams, overcomes obstacles, finds love and support along the way, and eventually has a happy ending. And when you listen to it, it sort of feels like you become that main character.
Lorr Ye
Haechan - 'TASTE
'Taste' feels like Haechan fully stepping into his own sonic identity. The album balances smooth R&B and experimental pop textures in a way that feels intentional rather than performative. There’s a quiet confidence throughout the tracklist. Nothing is rushed, nothing is wasted, and it highlights Haechan’s strength as a vocalist who understands nuance, mood, and pacing. Haechan understands his strengths as an artist and uses those talents to their fullest extent on "Taste".
Sofia Sayson
NMIXX’s ‘Blue Valentine’
From “High Horse” and “Know About Me” off their 2025 mini-album to “Blue Valentine” from their recent full-length, NMIXX put out a strong set of songs this year. The title tracks of both projects showcased a well-executed “MIXX pop” genre, and they finally received well-deserved recognition when “Blue Valentine” topped the major local charts in South Korea.
A-Nish
BTS's Jin - 'Echo'
A perfectly well-constructed album with just the right songs. "Don't Say You Love Me" is great as the title track. I had it on repeat through the year, so much so that it became my No.1 song on Spotify Wrapped. Even with that, my favorite song on the album is "Background". The lyrics talk about the moments of togetherness, the happy seasons that are now fading away. But he will always remain in the background, hoping they will be by each other's side again. The moment the line "Maybe in another place, another time..." comes, I just feel this emotion that is hard to describe. Then we have "Rope It." Anytime I feel tired, I just put that song and it's an instant mood booster. So, yeah, overall, a really fun album.
hjang
CLOSE YOUR EYES - 'ETERNALT'
This debut album by CLOSE YOUR EYES opens up a whole new range of what a K-pop boy group can do. While it has largely been promoted as "retro," the album’s smart infusion of early 2000s R&B throughout its tracks leaves a lasting impression, signaling a sense of freshness that feels more forward-looking than simply nostalgic. The title song "All Your Poetry" delivers an inventive blend reminiscent of early Ne-Yo and Omarion, while remaining charming, light, emotional, and sweet. The B-side track "To The Woods" is a song I believe everyone should listen to at least once, especially fans of low bass, minor-key melodic R&B that flows so smoothly it feels like sliding across a sheet of butter in the dark. From this 1st mini album to their next two consecutive mini albums, CLOSE YOUR EYES has continued to roll out one standout EP after another, with every track clearly selected with the utmost care and intention. (Their creative director, Lee Hae In, the former 'Produce 101' contestant, has even shared that there were stronger songs she wanted to purchase but could not. She also revealed that she tested the music across a wide range of demographics, highlighting her commitment to crafting a thoughtful and meticulous A&R process.) While the group has subtly experimented with different concepts, the defining trademark of their musicality does remain distinctly classically vintage. For listeners who love jazz fusion synths, new jack swing beats, and R&B hip hop, or who enjoy sounds reminiscent of TLC and old school K-pop male soloist B-side tracks from artists like Rain or Se7en, CLOSE YOUR EYES’ 2025 discography is one well worth exploring.
Minsoo-Kim
Baek Yerin – Flash and Core
After parting ways with her longtime co-producer Cloud, Baek Yerin has maintained her signature warmth in sound while achieving a more refined structural approach. Cloud’s dreamy, lingering dream-pop textures are gone this time, but in their place, the hands of PEEJAY and Nancy Boy bring out a solid low-end punch and delicate tonal balance.
This change isn’t just a simple “shift in style.” It’s the result of Baek Yerin fully designing her own musical world and establishing herself as a mature, producer-driven artist.
Alec06
Jennie - 'RUBY'
Jennie’s solo album is a chic blend of experimental hip-hop and sophisticated pop. It perfectly captures her unique identity as both a global fashion icon and a powerful performer. The tracks are bold and addictive, proving her undeniable dominance as a solo artist.
Demian09
HwaSa - 'Good Goodbye'
'Good Goodbye' by Hwa Sa is my favorite album because of its beautiful combination of music and performance. I recently saw a performance that brought the song back into the spotlight during the '46th Blue Dragon Film Awards' on November 19. Hwa Sa performed the song solo, while Park Jung Min appeared holding a pair of red heels. Their chemistry was unforgettable and incredibly charming. Park Jung Min watched Hwa Sa sing and dance with a calm expression, then surprised the audience with a playful dance at the finale.
I also loved the dynamics between Hwa Sa and Park Jung Min, who starred as the special guests in the music video. Their interaction perfectly captures the bittersweet feeling of diving into romance and then letting go. Musically, 'Good Goodbye' is a beautifully melancholic ballad, a departure from Hwa Sa’s usual fiery tracks, showcasing her impressive vocal range. The lyrics poignantly explore gentle farewells and wishing an ex well, making it a heartfelt and memorable listening experience.
KatL903
ATEEZ - GOLDEN HOUR: Part 3 'In Your Fantasy Edition
With significant writing contributions from each member, this album showcases ATEEZ’s growth as a group in their seventh year. The inclusion of 8 solo tracks gives each member a chance to shine and show their individual musical color. But among all the songs on the album, the title track ‘In Your Fantasy’ stands out by far. With this powerful, charismatic song, ATEEZ shows an entirely new side of their identity as a group. Overall, the album thoroughly demonstrates ATEEZ’s songwriting, producing, and performance skills, and I can't wait to see what musical direction the group chooses next.
ean1994
RIIZE 'Odyssey'
RIIZE will continue to rise, and this album is proof of it. a complete emotional journey rather than just a collection of songs. Despite still being within the early stages of their career, this first full-length album truly felt immersive. The album doesn’t rush; it lets each emotion breathe, making it easy to connect to whether I’m in a reflective mood or needing motivation. It’s the kind of album that feels personal—like it understands the in-between stages of becoming who you’re meant to be. Every listen feels comforting yet inspiring, and even now it continues to be an album I keep coming back to as a soundtrack to my own growth.
K-Soul
PLAVE - 'Caligo Pt.1'
PLAVE’s 'Caligo Pt.1' stands out as a defining release of 2025, not only for its impressive commercial success but for how confidently it proves that musical talent—not flawless visuals—remains the foundation of a lasting fanbase. As a virtual group, PLAVE shattered lingering skepticism by winning listeners over through strong artistry, thoughtful production, and a clear musical identity.
The album delivers a well-balanced and cohesive listening experience, offering a diverse range of genres from city pop and R&B to hip-hop, rock, and heartfelt ballads. Every track feels purposeful, with no filler in sight. “Chroma Drift” emerges as a standout, capturing a warm sense of nostalgia through its city pop-inspired soundscape and smooth, atmospheric production. Tracks like “Dash” and “Island” further highlight the group’s versatility, each adding a distinct color to the album’s overall narrative.
SEE ALSO: Faker becomes first eSports athlete to receive Korea's highest sports medal, the Blue Dragon Order
SHARE
