2026 is here, and 2025 has left us with another standout year for music videos. Artists have expanded their creative boundaries and delivered visual pieces that were memorable as their tracks. From cinematic storytelling and innovative visual arts, this year's releases proved that music videos remain a vital part of the K-pop music industry.
As the year comes to a close, the allkpop staff looked back on the music videos that left the strongest impression on us and defined our viewing experience in 2025. Here are our picks for the music videos we loved the most this year.
Susan Han
PLAVE - "Dash
3 minutes and 58 seconds of incredibly animated action to exhilarating rock-based vocals and shouting - a top-quality music video that shows what virtual x K-pop is capable of. And Mr. Caligo better be prepared for a serious fight because Hamin looks really mad.
Lorr Ye
Jennie - "Zen"
“ZEN” is visually striking without being overexplained. The MV leans into minimalism, symbolism, and atmosphere, letting Jennie’s presence do most of the work. From the styling to the pacing, every frame feels deliberate, creating a meditative but powerful statement about self-possession and control. It’s less about spectacle and more about aura, which ultimately makes it my most memorable MV of the year.
Sofia Sayson
ARTMS’ "Icarus"
ARTMS always delivers high-quality cinematic music videos, and this remained evident in their 2025 releases, particularly with “Icarus.” Storytelling and visuals? “Icarus” absolutely delivered on all fronts.
A-Nish
J-Hope (feat. GloRilla) - "Killin' It Girl"
This might seem like an easy choice or something, but I truly loved the dance, the sets, and J-hope's costume in the music video. The car scene with the rap was also so cool. Then, of course, the dance break in the end, the choreography was a major reason why I got so addicted to the MV, but the overall vibe is so good. Each time, I watch the video, I feel like grooving with him.
Janie-Reign
Jisoo - "Earthquake"
Jisoo's title song from her first mini album, released under BLISSOO, comes with a music video that perfectly completes the song. Titled "Earthquake," the track feels incomplete without the listeners having the privilege to see what Jisoo's earthquake exactly means and how it plays out visually. The MV captures the meaning of her earthquake as a trembling heartbeat, cleverly recorded like seismic patterns, while she undergoes a truth test during an interrogation. Alongside the smart concept of Jisoo stealthily texting her crush at work while doing so, the visuals align sharply with the song’s catchy, heartbeat-like rhythm. The hypermodern, monochrome color scheme and striking lighting elevate the trendy choreography, giving the video a sleek and polished edge. Words that appear on screen symbolically reinforce the song’s theme without directly mirroring the lyrics. Rather than feeling distracting or corny, they enhance the narrative as Jisoo drives forward in her car, pushing through each weighted question about honesty and vulnerability—a relatable feeling when experiencing an intense crush. Playful yet chic and undeniably stylish, the MV was directed by Christian Breslauer, whose impressive résumé includes music videos for Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow, The Weeknd, Charlie Puth, Lizzo, SZA, Ariana Grande, and many more. While this MV stands as my personal favorite of the year, other honorable mentions for outstanding music video production include KATSEYE's "Gnarly" MV, Yeonjun's 'No Labels: Part 01' MV, and ALLDAY PROJECT's "FAMOUS" MV.
Minsoo-Kim
Lee Chanhyuk - "Vivid La La Love"
Amid a bizarre, chaotic world filled with constant conflict, the video captures Lee Chanhyuk’s music as a single beam of love, translating his message faithfully into visual form.
Alec06
aespa - "Rich Man"
aespa’s "Rich Man" MV is a futuristic, tech-savvy spectacle that showcases their unique concept. It is filled with cutting-edge CGI, sharp choreography, and bold, high-fashion looks that define the group's "supernova" energy. The fast-paced editing and bold colors make it an incredibly addictive video to watch.
Demian09
Lisa - "Born Again"
BLACKPINK’s Lisa "Born Again" (feat. Doja Cat & RAYE) is my favorite music video. I’m truly impressed by how it brings together such world-class female artists, each showcasing their unique personality and style, while blending seamlessly to create a dreamy, cool, and sophisticated vibe. The visuals, directed by Bardia Zeinali, are stunning, with every frame thoughtfully crafted to enhance the song’s atmosphere.
The choreography and music production are equally outstanding, perfectly complementing the powerful performances. I especially love how the flowers and sculptures add depth and elegance, subtly yet strikingly highlighting feminine energy. Overall, it’s a remarkable combination of artistry, style, and performance that feels both cinematic and emotionally captivating, which is why it stands out as my favorite music video of the year.
KatL903
KEY - "Hunter"
‘HUNTER’ marked an entirely new direction for KEY, and one that suits him very well. KEY absolutely nails the dark, horror-inspired direction of this song and music video, making it one I came back to watch over and over. ‘HUNTER’ is not only an intriguing, richly layered song, but the music video is also a masterpiece. This is one music video that can be watched multiple times with something new to notice each time, as KEY portrays a fascinatingly dark story and showcases his acting skills in this new concept.
ean1994
ZEROBASEONE - "BLUE"
Visuals are astounding, and that's no surprise for ZEROBASEONE. "BLUE" is a perfect blend of emotional depth and visual storytelling. From the very first frame, the song’s atmospheric sound pulls you into a world that feels both wistful and expansive—like waves of feeling crashing gently against your heart. The imagery uses shades of blue not just as a color palette but as a mood, capturing moments of longing, memory, and quiet hope in a way that has you rewinding the video repeatedly.
K-Soul
Lisa - "Dream"
LISA’s “Dream” stood out as my favorite music video of 2025 for its cinematic artistry and emotionally resonant storytelling. Rather than relying solely on striking visuals, the music video unfolds like a short film, drawing viewers into a quiet yet powerful narrative that lingers long after it ends.
The surprise ending, in particular, recontextualizes everything that comes before it, perfectly aligning with the song’s reflective tone. While “Dream” initially sounds like a melancholic breakup song, the music video offers a poignant reinterpretation. Instead of romantic separation, it reveals an emotional farewell to a loved one after their passing. Moreover, the special appearance by Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi adds unexpected depth to the story, elevating the emotional weight of the video.
SEE ALSO: ALLDAY PROJECT wins with "LOOK AT ME"+ Dynamic performance on January 8th’s Mnet's 'M! Countdown'!
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