[Special] KPOPREVIEWED’s Personal Favourite Songs from the 1st Half of 2026 & more

One of the first posts I post each year to begin the second half of the year is a short list of my personal favourite songs from the year thus far.

In addition to the usual list of my favourite 10 KPOP songs from the first half of 2026, I have also listed:

  • two songs from the November – December 2025 period I personally liked (given songs from those months tend to lead into the new year), and
  • three non-Korean songs by Korean artists (as I have not been able to acknowledge that aspect of KPOP much recently).

Don’t forget to let me and everyone else know what your favourite songs are so far this year in the comments below!

Favourite KPOP songs from November to December 2025

Prepare to be surprised….

Favourite non-Korean song by a KPOP artist so far this year

Favourite KPOP tracks of the year so far

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 4 of June 2026

Welcome to the latest Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 4 of June 2026, covering 21 to 28 June 2026.

With us entering the second half of 2026 (eek!) later this week, keep your eyes out for 2 special posts that I usually post around this time of the year:

  • My personal favourite songs from the year thus far, and
  • A recap of the Top Songs from my Weekly KPOP Charts since July 2025.

But until then, here is the Weekly KPOP Charts.

What else have I been listening to?

Each week, I spotlight a song not on the Weekly KPOP Charts that I’ve been listening to. This week features a classic 2nd generation KPOP song – KARA’s Step.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

Each week, the top-ranked non-Korean Song on the Weekly KPOP Chart is spotlighted (as this is an area I haven’t been focusing on as much on my blog lately). The non-Korean song from the past week is, once again, JACOB’s (from THE BOYZ) SLOW DANCING.

The Chart

Stray Kids’ RUN IT claimed the top spot on the charts this past week. Congratulations to Stray Kids!

Pos.TitleArtistStatus
1RUN ITStray Kids(NEW)
2BADATEEZ(NEW)
3Heavy SerenadeNMIXX(RE-ENTER)
4METRONOMEizna(RE-ENTER)
5RIDE OR DIEEVAN(NEW)
6TOP 5ZEROBASEONE(▲ 6)
7VIRALBOYNEXTDOOR(▲ 6)
8ddok ddok ddokBOYNEXTDOOR(▼ 3)
9TNTCORTIS(▲ 20)
10CHOOMBABYMONSTER(RE-ENTER)
11CuriousAND2BLE(RE-ENTER)
12It’s MeILLIT(RE-ENTER)
13Slow DancingJACOB (THE BOYZ)(▲ 2)
14OKayxikers(RE-ENTER)
15Baby FlowertripleS(▼ 9)
16Crowi-dle(▼ 5)
17Do Your DanceRIIZE(▼ 13)
18LaybackJAY B (GOT7)(▼ 1)
19Lemon TagHearts2Hearts(NEW)
204 FlowersMAMAMOO(▼ 18)
21Open The DoorONF(▼ 20)
22SuddenlyI.O.I(▼ 15)
23LIVE FAST DIE SLOWTAEYANG (BIGBANG)(RE-ENTER)
24back to lifeHAN (Stray Kids)(NEW)
25Heaven Can WaitJUNNY(NEW)
26AtmosSHINee(▼ 18)
27ICONIC BY MISTAKELE SSERAFIM, ILLIT & KATSEYE(NEW)
28Come OverBTS(NEW)
29IF ITREASURE(RE-ENTER)
30In Between SeasonsN.Flying(▼ 16)

[Review] RUN IT – Stray Kids

In a flurry of announcements earlier this week, Stray Kids confirmed that their upcoming comeback will be in August with their 10th mini album, THIS & THAT, a new pre-release single RUN IT would be unveiled later in the week (today) and plans for a world tour that shares the same name as the mini album and starts in July. Today, I will be reviewing RUN IT, their first major release since Do It and DIVINE from the end of last year.

RUN IT sees Stray Kids focus less on the electronic sound that they have been promoting over the past couple of releases and focus more on the anthemic and melodic side of music. This anthemic side felt as if Stray Kids were rallying the troops for their next release, which is a different way of hyping up the crowd for the upcoming release. The brass elements and militaristic percussion style really complement this idea as well. The chanty aspects of the chorus pull everyone together to be as one, fitting for the ongoing World Cup. RUN IT also features a more prevalent focus on vocals. Whilst very nice sounding (FELIX and LEE KNOW’s bridge moment, as an example), I will admit that some of the vocals do feel overly soft for the broader feel of RUN IT, which holds the track back and softens the powerful potential of the track. RUN IT really feels strongest during those anthemic chants and through HAN and CHANGBIN’s rapping at the end. I really appreciate the oomph that the rappers give in the song’s final moment, and their transition from one another was quite seamless.

RUN IT appears to build on the traditional concept that DIVINE‘s music video flourished with and combines it with an army-building concept (going back to the idea of ‘rallying the troops’). The black-and-white contrast of their outfits and the dancers’ outfits probably represents differences between people, and it’s through Stray Kids’ confidence and leadership that brings everyone together as one, per the ending of the video. I also enjoyed the artistic side of the music video, which brings out a whole different vibe and pace from their usual style and concept.

Like all of their choreography, Stray Kids impresses with this one. On this occasion, they really embraced a powerful and intense side to showcase their confidence and drive that they express in RUN IT‘s lyrics. I do wonder how they will bring everything together on stage, but I am definitely hoping for each member to have a solo moment as shown in the music video. That is most likely enabled by how the music video is set up, but that would be a cool stage concept, especially for Stray Kids. I am most excited for FELIX and LEE KNOW’s solo moments during the bridge.

Song – 8.5/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.8/10

[Review] CINEMA – Lee Know & Seungmin (Stray Kids)

It has been over a year since Stray Kids released their single album, Mixtape: dominATE. Despite being a big fan of Stray Kids (I acknowledge I give them a lot more attention than any other group), I have yet to review any tracks from their Mixtape: dominATE. As the one-year anniversary has just passed, now would be a timely moment to review the tracks on it. The lead single is the Korean version of their 2024 Japanese single, GIANT (which I have yet to review but will do later). Alongside GIANT are unit tracks – this post focuses on Lee Know and Seungmin’s CINEMA. Links to the reviews of the other unit tracks (as they are released) are below the music video.

CINEMA is a rock ballad that opens with dramatic drumming and follows through with atmospheric vibes from the electric guitars. From there, the song slowly builds, introducing other band instrumentation to the backing, allowing the rock ballad profile to proliferate and intensify. Both Lee Know and Seungmin sound breathtaking and amazing throughout CINEMA. We all know Seungmin as the main vocalist of Stray Kids and as someone who can captivate audiences with his vocals. But Lee Know completely surprised me. The song showcases his improved vocals since his debut, and his ability to hold his own alongside a main vocalist is pretty remarkable. Both convey a hopeful, uplifting tone throughout CINEMA, delivering beautiful melodies and their vocal ad-libs and harmonies at the end give the track so much impact.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, CINEMA‘s music video depicts the pair’s journey to ‘the stadium’, where they perform CINEMA. We see snippets of them penning the song together and making the physical journey to ‘the stadium’. Despite their car breaking down, which also tests their relationship, the pair supports each other in their efforts to realise their goals and dreams to perform. The storyline can definitely be seen as a representation of Stray Kids’ journey thus far with the rest of their group and their fans (more on this soon). The idea of the final destination being called ‘the stadium’ might also be a reference to their world tour, where they have performed in stadiums across the globe, highlighting their success and where they are at in the present. The most abstract aspect of the music video is the post-apocalyptic setting, which, in my mind, represents starting from nothing. Both Lee Know and Seungmin acted well in the video, as well.

I am not factoring their stage performances of CINEMA into the final rating (as there isn’t a choreography for this release), but I really enjoyed the idea of their fan names at each leg of their world tour scrolling across the screen in an ‘ending credits’ type of fashion. Again, this highlights the importance of STAYs in their journey of being Stray Kids.

Song – 10/10
Music Video – 10/10
Overall Rating – 10/10

Burnin’ Tires – CHANGBIN & I.N | Truman – HAN & FELIX
ESCAPE – BANGCHAN & HYUNJIN | Cinema – LEE KNOW & SEUNGMIN

[Review] ESCAPE – BANG CHAN & HYUNJIN (Stray Kids)

It has been over a year since Stray Kids released their single album, Mixtape: dominATE. Despite being a big fan of Stray Kids (I acknowledge I give them a lot more attention than any other group), I have yet to review any tracks from their Mixtape: dominATE. As the one-year anniversary has just passed, now would be a timely moment to review the tracks on it. The lead single is the Korean version of their 2024 Japanese single, GIANT (which I have yet to review but will do later). Alongside GIANT are unit tracks – this post focuses on BANG CHAN and HYUNJIN’s ESCAPE. Links to the reviews of the other unit tracks (as they are released) are below the music video.

Expectations are high for the return of the BANG CHAN and HYUNJIN unit – the pair behind Red Lights (iykyk). Unlike the sensual R&B route they took last time, ESCAPE takes a more bombastic approach, blending rock influences with trap elements to create this powerfully tense unit track. I particularly liked the build-up in the pre-choruses and the satisfying drop of rock elements in the chorus. The oomph that the latter ultimately gives ESCAPE instantly made it stand out to me upon release over a year ago. As for the pair themselves, I was impressed by their vocals, especially during their respective verses. HYUNJIN’s vocal tone in ESCAPE brought an interesting crisp colour to the song, while BANG CHAN’s higher pitch added a delicateness and an emotional tinge to the song. BANG CHAN’s high note and ad-libs at the end were equally impressive, with the pair closing out the song in an epic fashion. I really liked this unit track then and still like it now.

I have a theory about what is happening in the music video, but I am not entirely sure if it is right. Essentially, it looks like BANG CHAN and HYUNJIN are werewolves that were chained up at a certain point, but had broken free. And while they do enjoy hanging around each other, the pair ends up making a break together for the outside world. But some dark force is after them. They become cornered and are forced to go their separate ways to evade capture. Towards the end, they reunite and pair up once again to take on this dark force. I did like the dark tones of the music video, but I also wished we had found out what this dark force was.

The pair performed ESCAPE on their Dominate World Tour, and the performance was definitely worth watching. I really liked how they and the dancers heightened the bombastic feel of ESCAPE, revealing an intense, charged side of themselves. I also liked the artistry of the performance, such as pair singing towards the camera amongst the cloaked dancers standing still and the circle formations by the dancers lying down/rolling around BANG CHAN and HYUNJIN in the final chorus. The latter made for an epic overhead camera shot.

Song – 9/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.7/10

Burnin’ Tires – CHANGBIN & I.N | Truman – HAN & FELIX
ESCAPE – BANGCHAN & HYUNJINCinema – LEE KNOW & SEUNGMIN

[Review] Truman – HAN & FELIX (Stray Kids)

It has been over a year since Stray Kids released their single album, Mixtape: dominATE. Despite being a big fan of Stray Kids (I acknowledge I give them a lot more attention than any other group), I have yet to review any tracks from their Mixtape: dominATE. As the one-year anniversary has just passed, now would be a timely moment to review the tracks on it. The lead single is the Korean version of their 2024 Japanese single, GIANT (which I have yet to review but will do later). Alongside GIANT are unit tracks – this post focuses on HAN and FELIX’s Truman. Links to the other unit tracks (as they are released) are below the music video.

Of the unit tracks on Mixtape: dominATE drew the least amount of attention from me, despite being quite striking in its own way. This is mainly because Truman draws heavily on hip-hop, which is not my go-to genre. I am not anti-all hip-hop songs; it is just that the very serious tone and dark intensity make it hard for me to enjoy Truman. I do appreciate these elements to some extent, as they infuse the song with character and lend it a striking atmosphere within the EDM background (relative to the other unit tracks on the single album). The soft opening over a jazzy-esque background was nice, before the EDM kicks in and the pair change up Truman completely (similar to the plot twist that featured in the movie The Truman Show – the lyrics of Truman also draw upon the same material). FELIX’s presence at the start of the song was very distinctive, and JISUNG’s dynamic rapping (particularly in the second verse of Truman) shows me that this pairing is not to be messed around with.

While the song didn’t draw much attention from me, the music video did quite the opposite. Amid the dark hip-hop profile and the serious/intense atmosphere created by the song, the music video did creep me out a bit. The reason for this is the hooded dancers/figures that both HAN and FELIX rap around. And while their presence is similar to that of other background figures/dancers in other Stray Kids videos, it is the close-ups where you see nothing but a black void that gets me. Apart from that, both HAN and FELIX have quite a commanding presence throughout the video, which I am sure fans of the duo will like.

Song – 7/10
Music Video – 7/10
Overall Rating – 7/10

Burnin’ Tires – CHANGBIN & I.NTruman – HAN & FELIX
ESCAPE – BANGCHAN & HYUNJINCinema – LEE KNOW & SEUNGMIN

[Review] Burnin’ Tires – CHANGBIN & I.N (Stray Kids)

It has been a year since Stray Kids released their single album, Mixtape: dominATE. But despite being a big fan of Stray Kids (I acknowledge I give them a lot more attention than any other group), I have yet to review any tracks from their Mixtape: dominATE. As the one-year anniversary is tomorrow, now would be a timely moment to begin reviewing the tracks on the mixtape. The lead single is the Korean version of their 2024 Japanese single GIANT (which I have yet to review, but will do later this month). Alongside GIANT are unit tracks, with this post focusing on CHANGBIN and I.N’s Burnin’ Tires. Links to the reviews of the other unit tracks (as they are released) are below the music video.

Burnin’ Tires earned a nomination and emerged as the winner for Best Electronic Song in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. And I am here to tell you why. Burnin’ Tires blends punk rock, synths, and rap into a super dynamic, fast-paced track. The resultant mix definitely drives (ha!) the song forward and heightens the excitement as the song progresses. That electric guitar that comes through at the end was undoubtedly super cool and just feels perfect at the end of the song that gets your adrenaline pumping. Both CHANGBIN’s and I.N’s delivery of Burnin’ Tires gives the song some grittiness and texture as the instrumental literally zooms ahead. Their delivery is also lively and energetic, which adds to the dynamic and excitement already mentioned. Their chemistry also gives Burnin’ Tires a fun edge, as well. I must also commend CHANGBIN’s rapping throughout the song, super dynamic and intense – earning him a nomination for Best Rap Performance in the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. To me, Burnin’ Tires was the standout track from the mixtape and has remained so even after a year.

Keeping to the fast-paced nature, the pair compete against each other (and a bunch of other people) after discovering a competition for 10 quintillion won. The pair race to the goal, but this is reimagined as a virtual road race, a fight scene, and then a dance battle. They eventually win (as shown in the post-ending scene), with the pair earning a speeding ticket along the way. I also liked the inclusion of parkour scenes and the teasing scenes between the pair.

With such an upbeat and dynamic track, it makes sense for this unit track to have some choreography. While the stage does involve both CHANGBIN and I.N running around (makes perfect sense), they do get into a motorcycle formation with the dancers and pull off some dance moves alongside the electric guitar at the end. I also enjoyed the little skit they have at the end of their performance – it adds to the fun and playful energy.

Song – 10/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 9.5/10

Burnin’ Tires – CHANGBIN & I.N | Truman – HAN & FELIX
ESCAPE – BANGCHAN & HYUNJIN | Cinema – LEE KNOW & SEUNGMIN

[Special] Top 30 Songs and Artists of 2025

[Special] Winners for the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards

Welcome to the final instalment of the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards – the Announcement of Winners!

Just to recap what has been done so far: the nominees were announced, and voting opened mid-December 2025 for you to pick the winner across multiple categories; the announcement of KPOPREVIEWED’s Choice on 31st December 2025; and the voting closed mid-January 2026.

Since that last event, I have been working behind the scenes to prepare this post, including determining the Best Overall Song and Artist of 2025 (50% based on your fan votes and 50% on my Weekly KPOP Charts). And now, I am ready to present the winners of the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards.

In addition to the images I have prepared for the announcement of winners, I have included the winners and honourable mentions (those who came second in each category) in the captions for each category, in case the images don’t load properly.

Also, in addition to announcing the Best Overall Song and Artist of 2025 today, I will also be posting the Top 30 songs and artists of 2025 on Saturday in a separate post. So keep your eyes out for that! But for now, the winners of 2025!

Artist categories

Best New Artists of 2025

Best New Male Group of 2025 Winner: CORTIS
Best New Male Group of 2025 Honourable Mention: AHOF

Best New Female Group of 2025 Winner: HEARTS2HEARTS
Best New Female Group of 2025 Honourable Mention: KIIRAS

Best New Male Soloist of 2025 Winner: MARK
Best New Male Soloist of 2025 Honourable Mention: BEOMGYU

Best New Female Soloist of 2025 Winner: YEJI
Best New Female Soloist of 2025 Honourable Mention: IRENE

Best Subunit & Best Non-Korean Artist in KPOP of 2025

Best Subunit of 2025 Winner: Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI
Best Subunit of 2025 Honourable Mention: CxM (S.COUPS & MINGYU)

Best Non-Korean Group in KPOP of 2025 Winner: KATSEYE
Best Non-Korean Group in KPOP of 2025 Honourable Mention: &TEAM

Most Underrated Artist & Rising Star of 2025

Most Underrated Artist of 2025 Winner: XLOV
Most Underrated Artist of 2025 Honourable Mention: CRAVITY

Rising Star of 2025 Winner: NMIXX
Rising Star of 2025 Honourable Mention: izna

Best Delivery (Band, Rap & Vocal Performance) of 2025

Best Band Performance of 2025 Winner: Xdinary Heroes for Beautiful Life.
Best Band Performance of 2025 Honourable Mention: DAY6 for Maybe Tomorrow

Best Rap Performance of 2025 Winner: JENNIE for like JENNIE
Best Rap Performance of 2025 Honourable Mention: CHANGBIN (Stray Kids) for BURNIN’ TIRES

Best Vocal Performance of 2025 Winner: ROSÉ for toxic till the end
Best Vocal Performance of 2025 Honourable Mention: WOODZ for I’ll Never Love Again

Best Soloists & Groups of 2025

Best CO-ED group of 2025 Winner: KARD
Best CO-ED group of 2025 Honourable Mention: ALLDAY PROJECT

Best Female Soloist of 2025 Winner: JENNIE
Best Female Soloist of 2025 Honourable Mention: TAEYEON

Best Male Soloist of 2025 Winner: G-DRAGON
Best Male Soloist of 2025 Honourable Mention: J-HOPE

Best Female Group of 2025 Winner: TWICE
Best Female Group of 2025 Honourable Mention: aespa

Best Male Group of 2025 Winner: Stray Kids
Best Male Group of 2025 Honourable Mention: ZEROBASEONE

Best Overall Artist

This award is determined by 50% of KPOPREVIEWED’s Weekly KPOP Charts and 50% of your fan votes.

Top 30 Artists of 2025 – coming soon

Best Overall Artist of 2025 Winner: Red Velvet – IRENE & SEULGI

[Album Review] 合/HOP (1st SKZHOP HIPTAPE/Mixtape) – Stray Kids

As alluded to last week, Stray Kids’ first mixtape (branded as SKZHOP HIPTAPE), (HOP), is the final 2024 album that I will be reviewing for the time being. This means I can still review other 2024 albums I have missed in the future, but for now, I will shift my focus to 2025/26 albums. Anyhow, Stray Kids’ HOP features the title track Walkin’ On Water, solo songs that the group had performed as part of their Dominate World Tour, and two additional tracks (one of which is a collaboration with EPIK HIGH’s TABLO). It dropped back in December 2024.

The mixtape has some really great songs from the group and individual members. If you want to get to know Stray Kids more, then this mixtape is a good way to do so. Following the release of HOP, the group went on to release their Mixtape: DOMINATE single album, their fourth Japanese mini-album Hollow, their fourth studio album KARMA (with CEREMONY as the lead single), and their second mixtape DO IT (featuring the lead singles DO IT and DIVINE).

HOP Album Cover

1. Walkin On Water (Title Track)Click here for the full review for Walkin On Water. (8/10)

2. Bounce Back – Personally, I felt Bounce Back could have been a better title track, showcasing what the group has to offer across the board. Bounce Back combines old-school hip-hop and rock to create a cool diss track. It carries intensity and powerful energy from the start, making you want to stick around. Impressive rapping and nice vocals (for a hip-hop number) bring Bounce Back to life, courtesy of the members. (9/10)

3. U (ft. TABLO of EPIK HIGH) – Previously, TABLO from EPIK HIGH made an appearance in Stray Kids’ music video for MEGAVERSE. This time around, TABLO returns to collaborate with Stray Kids in U. This song is much more emotional than usual, showcasing the group in a different light. Both the group and TABLO’s delivery throughout the track pack a lot of emotion, with CHANGBIN (in the second verse) and TABLO (in the bridge) hitting hardest with their rapping for me. I also enjoyed the drum and bass in the instrumentation, as well as the soft vocals, which add to the emotional heft of U. (9/10)      

4. Walkin on Water (Hip Version) – See my review for Walkin on Water above.

5. RailwayClick here for my full review of BANG CHAN’s Railway. (8.5/10)

6. UnfairClick here for the full review of FELIX’s Unfair. (7/10)

7. HALLUCINATIONClick here for the full review of I.N’s HALLUCINATION. (9/10)

8. Youth Click here for my full review of LEE KNOW’s Youth. (8/10)

9. So Good Click here for my full review of HYUNJIN’s So Good. (8/10)

10. ULTRAClick here for my full review of CHANGBIN’s ULTRA. (8/10)

11. Hold my handClick here for my full review of HAN’s Hold my hand. (10/10)

12. As we are (그렇게, 천천히, 우리)Click here for my full review of SEUNGMIN’s As we are. (9/10)

Overall Album Rating – 8.5/10

Stray Kids’ teaser image for HOP.

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 1 of January 2026

Welcome to the next Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 1 of January 2026, which spans from 4 to 10 January 2026.

ICYMI – 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards

If you have not yet done so, make sure to cast your vote for the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards! Voting closes at 11:59 PM AEDT on 17 January 2026, so make sure you vote by then. For those who don’t live in Australia, click here to find out how much time you have left to cast your vote. But I recommend you do it sooner, rather than later.

If you haven’t checked out the nominees yet, you can do so here. You can also find a link to the vote form in the same post, or if you want to vote straight away, click this link.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

Each week, the top-ranked non-Korean Song on the Weekly KPOP Chart is spotlighted (as this is an area I haven’t been focusing on as much on my blog lately). The non-Korean song of the past week is KATSEYE’s Internet Girl.

The Chart

Stray Kids’ DIVINE is in the top spot for a third week (overall). Congratulations again to Stray Kids!

Pos.TitleArtistStatus
1DIVINEStray Kids(=)
2DO ITStray Kids(▲ 4)
3Love Me MoreAPINK(NEW)
4Lemonade FeverCRAVITY(▲ 18)
5Killer JoyCNBLUE(NEW)
6FAMERIIZE(▲ 6)
7STINGJOOHONEY (MONSTA X) ft. Muhammad Ali(NEW)
8RED (Beginn’)VERIVERY(RE-ENTER)
9NOT CUTE ANYMOREILLIT(▲ 1)
10SUGARJUNGWOO (NCT)(RE-ENTER)
11BEAT IT UPNCT DREAM(▼ 8)
12PUSHJOOHONEY (MONSTA X) ft. REI (IVE)(NEW)
13PanoramaTAEYEON (SNSD)(▲ 17)
14HomeRUNNOWZ(RE-ENTER)
15TUNNEL VISIONITZY(▼ 10)
16UFO (ATTENT!ON)SAY MY NAME(NEW)
17Pretty Boy Swagyesweare (idntt)(NEW)
18PSYCHOBABYMONSTER(▲ 11)
19Internet GirlKATSEYE(NEW)
20SAUCIN’LNGSHOT(▼ 4)
21LOOK AT MEALLDAY PROJECT(▼ 6)
22FORMULAALPHA DRIVE ONE(▼ 11)
23DUETZICO & Lilas(▼ 21)
24UxYOUxUCHUEI LI YU(=)
25Christmas FeverPARK JINYOUNG (GOT7)(NEW)
26Fallen SuperstarHOSHI (SEVENTEEN)(NEW)
27F.F.L.YMIYEON (i-dle)(RE-ENTER)
28PromiseDOYOUNG (NCT)(▼ 24)
29Running To FutureZEROBASEONE(NEW)
30PUSH BACKIDID(RE-ENTER)

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 5 of December 2025

Welcome to the next Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 5 of December 2025, which spans from 28 December 2025 to 3 January 2026.

ICYMI – 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards

If you have not yet done so, make sure to cast your vote for the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards! If you haven’t checked out the nominees yet, you can do so by clicking this link. You can also find a link to the vote form in the same post, or if you want to vote straight away, click this link.

This past week, I also posted the KPOPREVIEWED Choice post for the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards. Check out who I picked as the best of the best for the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards, and let me know if you agree with my choices.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

Each week, the top-ranked non-Korean Song on the Weekly KPOP Chart is spotlighted (as this is an area I haven’t been focusing on as much on my blog lately). The non-Korean song of the past week is ZICO and Lilas’ collaboration track, DUET.

I know there is Korean in DUET, but there is also a substantial amount of Japanese, which is why I have considered it for this segment of the post.

The Chart

Stray Kids’ DIVINE is in the top spot for a second week (overall). Congratulations again to Stray Kids!

Pos.TitleArtistStatus
1DIVINEStray Kids(▲ 2)
2DUETZICO & Lilas(▲ 14)
3BEAT IT UPNCT DREAM(▲ 7)
4PromiseDOYOUNG (NCT)(▲ 14)
5TUNNEL VISIONITZY(▲ 15)
6DO ITStray Kids(▼ 5)
7Talk To YouYEONJUN (TXT)(=)
8The ReasonYIM SIWAN (ZE:A)(▲ 1)
9Backseat PromisesKANGDANIEL(▲ 2)
10NOT CUTE ANYMOREILLIT(▼ 2)
11FORMULAALPHA DRIVE ONE(▼ 5)
12FAMERIIZE(▼ 7)
13SUPA DUPA LUVBABYMONSTER(=)
14BBUU!PLAVE(▲ 8)
15LOOK AT MEALLDAY PROJECT(▼ 3)
16SAUCIN’LNGSHOT(NEW)
17Lovin’ The ChristmasDAY6(RE-ENTER)
18XCLOSE YOUR EYES(▲ 3)
19Good StuffKARINA (aespa)(▲ 6)
20ONE MORE TIMEALLDAY PROJECT(RE-ENTER)
21Fly UptripleS msnz neptune(▲ 8)
22Lemonade FeverCRAVITY(▲ 8)
23I DON’T CAREBaby DON’T Cry(RE-ENTER)
24UxYOUxUCHUEI LI YU(▲ 2)
25TEMPOMINHO (SHINee)(NEW)
26PinocchioAHOF(RE-ENTER)
27PUT IT BACKONF(▲ 1)
28Saturday PreacherCHA EUN WOO (ASTRO)(RE-ENTER)
29PSYCHOBABYMONSTER(▼ 14)
30PanoramaTAEYEON (SNSD)(▼ 16)

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 4 of December 2025

Welcome to the next Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 4 of December 2025, which spans from December 21 to December 27, 2025.

If you have not yet done so, make sure to cast your vote for the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards! If you haven’t checked out the nominees yet, you can do so by clicking this link. You can also find a link to the vote form in the same post, or if you want to vote straight away, click this link.

I am also preparing the KPOPREVIEWED Choice post for the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards, which is scheduled for tomorrow. However, knowing how I have been operating this year, it might be slightly delayed by a day or two. Just know it is coming and will be published by the end of the week.

Until then, here is the Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 4 of December 2025.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

Each week, the top-ranked non-Korean Song on the Weekly KPOP Chart is spotlighted (as this is an area I haven’t been focusing on as much on my blog lately). The non-Korean song of the past week is, once again, BABYMONSTER’s SUPA DUPA LUV.

The Chart

Stray Kids’ DO IT is in the top spot again this past week for the third week in a row (and four weeks overall). Congratulations again to Stray Kids!

Pos.TitleArtistStatus
1Do ItStray Kids(=)
2Back To Life&TEAM(▲ 27)
3DivineStray Kids(▲ 12)
4RED (Beggin’)VERIVERY(▲ 6)
5FAMERIIZE(▲ 22)
6FORMULAALPHA DRIVE ONE(▲ 5)
7Talk To YouYEONJUN (TXT)(▲ 2)
8NOT CUTE ANYMOREILLIT(▲ 10)
9The ReasonYIM SIWAN (ZE:A)(▲ 3)
10BEAT IT UPNCT DREAM(▼ 5)
11Backseat PromisesKANGDANIEL(▲ 17)
12LOOK AT MEALLDAY PROJECT(▼ 8)
13SUPA DUPA LUVBABYMONSTER(▼ 6)
14PanoramaTAEYEON (SNSD)(RE-ENTER)
15PSYCHOBABYMONSTER(▼ 12)
16DUETZICO & Lilas(▼ 3)
17BlueWINTER (aespa)(▼ 1)
18PromiseDOYOUNG (NCT)(▼ 16)
19White Memoriesfromis_9(NEW)
20TUNNEL VISIONITZY(▼ 14)
21XCLOSE YOUR EYES(RE-ENTER)
22BBUU!PLAVE(▲ 8)
23PUSH BACKIDID(RE-ENTER)
24Ketchup and LemonadeNingNing (aespa)(NEW)
25Good StuffKARINA (aespa)(RE-ENTER)
26UxYOUxUCHUEI LI YU(NEW)
27HANDO-CHOGUADAESUNG (BIGBANG)(NEW)
28PUT IT BACKONF(RE-ENTER)
29Fly UptripleS msnz neptune(RE-ENTER)
30Lemonade FeverCRAVITY(RE-ENTER)

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 3 of December 2025

Welcome to the next Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 3 of December 2025, which spans from December 14 to December 20, 2025.

ICYMI – I launched (albeit delayed by two days) the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards! If you haven’t checked out the nominees yet, you can do so by clicking this link. You can also find a link to the vote form to cast your vote in the same post, or if you want to vote straight away, click this link.

With regard to the rest of the year, the focus will be on album reviews for the remaining 2024 albums I have yet to review. I only have a few more to do, so I hope to finish them off this year and restart the 2025 album reviews in 2026. Apart from that, there won’t be any reviews of new releases until after the new year (tentative date: 5 January 2026). Plans for ‘Rookie Week’, which I promised a couple of weeks ago, will be postponed to a later week in January 2026.

Until then, here is the Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 3 of December 2025.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

Each week, the top-ranked non-Korean Song on the Weekly KPOP Chart is spotlighted (as this is an area I haven’t been focusing on as much on my blog lately). The non-Korean song of the past week is BABYMONSTER’s SUPA DUPA LUV.

The Chart

Stray Kids’ DO IT is in the top spot again this past week for the second week in a row (and a third week overall). Congratulations again to Stray Kids!

Pos.TitleArtistStatus
1Do ItStray Kids(=)
2PromiseDOYOUNG (NCT)(▲ 9)
3PSYCHOBABYMONSTER(RE-ENTER)
4LOOK AT MEALLDAY PROJECT(=)
5BEAT IT UPNCT DREAM(▲ 3)
6TUNNEL VISIONITZY(▲ 14)
7SUPA DUPA LUVBABYMONSTER(NEW)
8Hollywood ActionBOYNEXTDOOR(▲ 7)
9Talk To YouYEONJUN (TXT)(▲ 19)
10RED (Beggin’)VERIVERY(▼ 7)
11FORMULAALPHA DRIVE ONE(▼ 2)
12The ReasonYim Siwan (ZE:A)(▲ 11)
13DUETZICO & Lilas(NEW)
14ONE MORE TIMEALLDAY PROJECT(▲ 10)
15DivineStray Kids(▼ 13)
16BlueWINTER (aespa)(NEW)
17LuckyKISS OF LIFE(NEW)
18NOT CUTE ANYMOREILLIT(▼ 11)
19FOCUSHearts2Hearts(RE-ENTER)
20FallingWOODZ ft. YOUNG K (DAY6)(RE-ENTER)
21SUGARJUNGWOO (NCT)(RE-ENTER)
22TigerTHE BOYZ(RE-ENTER)
23TEMPOMINHO (SHINee)(NEW)
24Lovin’ The ChristmasDAY6(NEW)
25SPAGHETTILE SSERAFIM ft. j-hope (BTS)(▼ 7)
26PANORAMATAEYEON (SNSD)(▼ 4)
27FAMERIIZE(▼ 15)
28Backseat PromiseKANGDANIEL(NEW)
29Back To Life&TEAM(▲ 1)
30BBUU!PLAVE(NEW)

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 2 of December 2025

Welcome to the next Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 2 of December 2025, which spans from December 7 to December 13, 2025.

As mentioned last week, I made a special announcement during the weekthe annual KPOPREVIEWED Awards! I still have a bit of work to do on it to get it ready and go live tomorrow, so that will be the focus for the remainder of today. But check back tomorrow on 17 DECEMBER 2025 for the nominees and voting form, where you can cast your vote to decide who will win each category!

[UPDATE ON 15 DECEMBER 2025] The announcement of nominees and voting form will now be announced/published at midnight 17 December 2025 AEDT. I apologise for the delay.

Until then, here is the Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 2 of December 2025.

What else am I listening to?

Each week, I spotlight a song not on the Weekly KPOP Charts that I’ve been listening to over the past week. This week’s song is very recent, fromis_9’s LIKE YOU BETTER. More specifically, it is a pop-punk version of the song by an AI group, EVNFALL, that I found online, which I have been listening to on repeat.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

Each week, the top-ranked non-Korean Song on the Weekly KPOP Chart is spotlighted (as this is an area I haven’t been focusing on as much on my blog lately). The non-Korean song of the past week is TXT’s Can’t Stop.

The Chart

Stray Kids’ DO IT is back in the top spot this past week. Congratulations again to Stray Kids!

Pos.TitleArtistStatus
1Do ItStray Kids(▲ 1)
2DIVINEStray Kids(▼ 1)
3RED (Beggin’)VERIVERY(NEW)
4LOOK AT MEALLDAY PROJECT(NEW)
5NOT CUTE ANYMOREILLIT(▲ 25)
6Lemonade FeverCRAVITY(▼ 3)
7PUT IT BACKONF(▲ 4)
8BEAT IT UPNCT DREAM(▼ 2)
9FORMULAALPHA DRIVE ONE(NEW)
10DYTITZY(NEW)
11PromiseDOYOUNG (NCT)(NEW)
12FAMERIIZE(▲ 9)
13SUPERPOWER (Peak)xikers(RE-ENTER)
14ICUXdinary Heroes(RE-ENTER)
15Hollywood ActionBOYNEXTDOOR(▲ 8)
16CreepSAN (ATEEZ)(NEW)
17Slide To MeYUNHO (ATEEZ)(NEW)
18SPAGHETTILE SSERAFIM ft. j-hope (BTS)(▲ 2)
19XCLOSE YOUR EYES(RE-ENTER)
20TUNNEL VISIONITZY(▼ 10)
21Can’t StopTXT(▼ 4)
22PanoramaTAEYEON (SNSD)(▼ 15)
23The ReasonYIM SIWAN (ZE:A)(NEW)
24ONE MORE TIMEALLDAY PROJECT(▼ 20)
25PinocchioAHOF(▼ 12)
26BANG BANGKIIRAS(NEW)
27Blue ValentineNMIXX(▼ 19)
28Talk To YouYEONJUN (TXT)(▼ 19)
29OVERDRIVETWS(▼ 10)
30Back To Life&TEAM(RE-ENTER)

[Weekly KPOP Chart] Week 1 of December 2025

Welcome to the next Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 1 of December 2025, which spans from November 30 to December 6 2025.

Okay, that fourth thing from last week kind of did snowball this week. But I did manage to get a little more out than last week, so that should count for something. Anyhow, in addition to (hopefully) more reviews this week, keep your eye out for a special announcement on 10 December 2025 (this coming Wednesday). Until then, here is the Weekly KPOP Chart post for Week 1 of December 2025.

What else am I listening to?

Each week, I spotlight a song not on the Weekly KPOP Charts that I’ve been listening to over the past week. This week’s song is aespa’s Drama.

Non-Korean Song of the Week

Each week, the top-ranked non-Korean Song on the Weekly KPOP Chart is spotlighted (as this is an area I haven’t been focusing on as much on my blog lately). The non-Korean song of the past week is, once again, CLOSE YOUR EYES’ SOB (with IMANBEK).

The Chart

Stray Kids’ second lead single from their mixtape DO IT, DIVINE, ranked in the top spot this past week. Congratulations again to Stray Kids!

Pos.TitleArtistStatus
1DIVINEStray Kids(▲ 1)
2Do ItStray Kids(▼ 1)
3Lemonade FeverCRAVITY(▲ 8)
4ONE MORE TIMEALLDAY PROJECT(▲ 2)
5Say My NameMIYEON (i-dle)(▲ 13)
6Beat It UpNCY DREAM(▼ 1)
7PanoramaTAEYEON (SNSD)(NEW)
8Blue ValentineNMIXX(▲ 13)
9Talk To YouYEONJUN (TXT)(▲ 4)
10TUNNEL VISIONITZY(▼ 6)
11PUT IT BACKONF(▼ 2)
12Saturday PreacherCHA EUNWOO (ASTRO)(RE-ENTER)
13PinocchioAHOF(RE-ENTER)
14White Memoriesfromis_9(NEW)
15ChooseATEEZ(NEW)
16SOBCLOSE YOUR EYES (with Imanbek)(▲ 7)
17Can’t StopTXT(RE-ENTER)
18RAINBOWHIGHLIGHT(NEW)
19OVERDRIVETWS(▼ 3)
20SPAGHETTILE SSERAFIM ft. j-hope (BTS)(RE-ENTER)
21FameRIIZE(▼ 18)
22FOCUSHearts2Hearts(▼ 8)
23Hollywood ActionBOYNEXTDOOR(▼ 8)
24WE GO UPBABYMONSTER(▼ 7)
25I DON’T CAREBaby DON’T Cry(RE-ENTER)
26PSYCHOBABYMONSTER(▼ 4)
27StretchU KNOW YUNHO (TVXQ)(NEW)
28SugarJUNGWOO (NCT)(▼ 21)
29Good StuffKarina (aespa)(NEW)
30NOT CUTE ANYMOREILLIT(▼ 22)