The 2025 global impact graph recently released by Spotify reveals a great change in the k-pop scene, with solo artists dominating and global collaborations that become a driving force in world growth of the genre.
From group identity to individual expression
Between 1 January and 30 June 2025, the Spotify data showed that 19 of the 30 most exhausted K-Pop songs outside Korea were of solo artists. In fact, 9 of the first 10 tracks were solo shows, reporting a clear move by the global audience towards the individual narrative and the artistic identity that detaches itself from the model focused on the group which has called K-pop for decades.
The prominent star of the year is nothing but Jennie di Blackpink. Its solo track Like Jennie From his debut album Ruby has claimed point no. 1 on the graph. Incredibly, nine tracks of the album entered the list, demonstrating Jennie’s strong global charm as an independent artist and his ability to create a cohesive and resonant musical narrative.
The members of BTS Jin and J-Hope also had a significant solo impact. Jin’s Don’t say that you love me Second second place, while J-Hope contributed with four tracks: Here is Lisa (#4), Sweet dreams (#6), LV bag (#10) e Killin ‘It Girl (#16). Their success reaffirms BTSLegacy, not only as an electric group but also as a springboard for individual global icons.
Diversity and international scope
The graph goes beyond BTS AND Blackpink To show the growing influence of new generation idols and iconic returns. NCTTen with StunnerG-Dragon has returned with a strong return Sinand RM of BTS collaborated with Tablo (Epik High) on Stop the rainreleased while RM is fulfilling his military duty.
Even the groups remain strong. The Sserafim contributed Heat (#9) e Come (#23), while Ive impressed by Rebellious heart AND Attitude. Other groups in the foreground include Txt, Got7, Seventenen, Mevv and Boynextdoor, which reflect the expanding versatility of K-pop.
A distinctive trend of 2025 is the rise of high profile global collaborations. These are not simple experiments: they are part of a wider strategy from K-Pop artists to incorporate themselves into the global pop ecosystem.
Jennie translates the road, collaborating with stars like Dua Lipa, Dominic Fike, Doechii, Childish Gambino and Kali Uchis Ruby. These collaborations not only add flavor to his music, but also extend its scope through continents, especially in the United States and Europe.
Meanwhile, J-Hope has collaborated with Pharrell Williams, Miguel and Glorilla, continuing his successful strip that establishes the genre. G-Dragon’s SinA collaboration with the winner of Grammy Anderson .Paak, was praised for his merger of vintage and modern Edge FB-Funk, he put himself as a “Cultural spectators between the east and west.”
Soundtracks like the new K-Pop catwalk
K-Pop is also expanding its scope through the film. Rosé of Blackpink scored a blow with Messypart of the F1 the film Soundtrack, which landed at number 14 on the global impact table.
According to musical experts, K-pop is entering a new era, one in which personal identity is celebrated and strategic global integration becomes the norm. This evolution not only allows artists to express themselves in a more complete way, but also guarantees the sustainable future of K-Pop in the always competitive global music industry.
K14
