Every year, K-pop introduces new talent, and 2025 has been no different. Some groups rise to stardom right after their debut, while others slowly build their fanbase. This year, a survey of 110 entertainment industry insiders highlighted the rookies who left the biggest impression. Five groups stood out for their music, performances, and impact this year.
Multiple K-pop groups debuted this year, including KickFlip, Hearts2Hearts, Baby DONT Cry, KiiiKiii, ALLDAY PROJECT USPEER, ifeye, CORTIS, CLOSE YOUR EYES, and more.
Top 5 Rookie K-pop Groups of 2025
ALLDAY PROJECT
Leading the list as the “Best Rookie of 2025” is ALLDAY PROJECT, a co-ed group that debuted in June with their single “Famous.” They quickly topped major domestic charts, including Melon’s TOP 100, and even made it onto Billboard’s Global 200 at number 94. Their success is remarkable because co-ed groups have historically struggled in the K-pop industry.
No new K-pop debut this year has been as explosive as ALLDAY PROJECT. The five-member co-ed group under THE BLACK LABEL (founded by music producer Teddy) debuted on June 23, 2025. The members are Annie (rapper), Tarzzan (lead rapper, lead dancer), Bailey (main dancer, rapper), Woochan (main rapper, lead dancer), and Youngseo (main vocalist). Several members had notable pre-debut experience, including Youngseo (R U Next?), Woochan (Show Me The Money 6), and Bailey as a choreographer.
Their debut single album “Famous”, featuring “FAMOUS” and “WICKED”, was an instant success. “FAMOUS” topped MelOn’s TOP100 chart in just three days and earned 38 Real-Time All-Kills. It even won them their first music show trophy on M Countdown only 10 days after debut.
The group will continue releasing music, including the digital single “One More Time” on November 17, ahead of their first EP on December 8, 2025. They are also set to perform at major events like the 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong.
CORTIS
CORTIS, the rookie group under BIGHIT MUSIC, rightfully claimed second place. Known for their “creator crew” identity, the five-member boy group under BigHit Music debuted on August 18, 2025. Members—James, Juhoon, Martin, Seonghyeon, and Keonho—are deeply involved in making their own music, choreography, and videos.
HYBE first teased the group in April, calling them a “next-generation creator crew.” After dropping their pre-debut single “GO!” on August 11, CORTIS debuted a week later with “What You Want.” Their first EP, Color Outside the Lines, followed on September 8.
Their EP entered the Billboard 200 at No. 15, peaked at No. 2 on the World Albums chart, and sold nearly 970,000 copies in Korea, landing at No. 2 on the Circle Chart. They have also earned the Global Rookie Award at the TikTok Awards Korea and are nominated for Best New Artist at the 2025 MAMA Awards.
KiiiKiii
KiiiKiii debuted in March and quickly showed their potential. Known as “IVE’s younger sister,” the group impressed with their debut single “I Do Me”, which charted high soon after release. Despite their connection to an established group like IVE, KiiiKiii has made their own name.
The group, made up of Leesol, Sui, Jiyu, Haum, and Kya, debuted on March 24, 2025, with their first EP Uncut Gem. Just 12 days after debuting with “I Do Me,” KiiiKiii earned their first music show win on Show! Music Core, a rare achievement for a new group.
By August, they released their first digital single, “Dancing Alone,” along with four remixes inspired by different decades, from the 1990s to the 2020s. So far, they have earned major rookie awards, including Rookie of the Year at the Seoul Music Awards and the Next Leader Award at The Fact Music Awards.
Hearts2Hearts
Hearts2Hearts (H2H) debuted under SM Entertainment, one of K-pop’s top labels. The group is compared to SM’s legendary girl group Girls’ Generation due to its 8-member lineup and sharp performance skills. Despite facing delays before their debut, they became the agency’s first girl group after aespa in 2020.
The members are Carmen, Jiwoo, Yuha, Stella, Juun, A-na, Ian, and Ye-on. The 8-member lineup debuted on February 24, 2025, with the single album “The Chase.” They followed up with the digital single “Style” on June 18, a catchy and upbeat track that promotes self-confidence. They later released their first mini-album “Focus” on October 20, after the pre-release song “Pretty Please” in September.
Even before debut, reports say their reveal even caused a spike in SM Entertainment’s stock price. Throughout 2025, they stayed busy performing on the SMTOWN Live tour in cities such as Mexico City, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo, and appearing at several festivals and award shows.
CLOSE YOUR EYES
Close Your Eyes debuted through the audition show “Project 7” and made an immediate impact. They sold 310,000 copies in their first week and quickly topped music show charts.
Also known as CYE, the seven-member boy group under UNCORE, went from reality show contestants to multiple music show winners in just their first year.
The members—Jeon Minwook, Ma Jingxiang, Jang Yeojun, Kim Sungmin, Song Seungho, Kenshin, and Seo Kyoungbae—were chosen through PROJECT 7, which aired from October to December 2024. When the final lineup was revealed on December 27, it already had a strong fanbase thanks to familiar faces. Leader Jeon Minwook had previously debuted with BAE173, while Jingxiang and Yeojun gained popularity as contestants on Boys Planet.
CYE made their official debut on April 2, 2025, with the mini-album Eternalt and scored their first music show win on The Show just six days later. Their quick comeback in July with the mini-album Snowy Summer pushed them even further. CLOSE YOUR EYES sold over 200,000 copies on day one and earned several more wins across music programs like The Show and Show Champion.
The group announced their third mini-album Blackout for release on November 11, 2025. The project features double title tracks, including “SOB”, a collaboration with Grammy-winning DJ Imanbek.
Other Notable Rookies
Several other rookies also made a mark this year. The fictional group HUNTR/X from the animated movie KPop Demon Hunters, AHOF from SBS’ Universe League, izna from I-LAND 2, and Kickflip all received attention from insiders. Groups like ifeye, Baby DONT Cry, USPEER, Alpha Drive One, and SAJA Boys also received votes from industry experts.
