If K-pop wasn’t already a powerhouse cornerstone of the music industry before, 2025 saw yet another explosion of interest in the genre thanks to the larger-than-life success of Kpop Demon Hunters. Now more than ever, K-pop has continued to draw eyes and ears from around the globe, whether it’s because of a particular demon-hunting trio or because of the dozens of K-pop acts who have stolen our hearts with both song and style.
From surprising and highly anticipated solo debuts from the likes of WJSN’s Dayoung or NCT’s Mark and Haechan to celebrating the 10-year milestones of K-pop’s beloved TWICE and MONSTA X, K-pop in 2025 was a sight to behold, with equally visceral music videos to boot. Ideally, an MV shouldn’t just be a soulless add-on that an audience can take or leave — it should enhance its correlating track and become an integral part of the music consumption experience. Here are Teen Vogue’s 15 best K-pop music videos that did just that in 2025 (in no particular order).
Mark, “+82 Pressin’ (feat. Haechan)”
With his solo debut announced a whole year in advance, NCT’s Mark had all eyes and ears on him as he geared up for his first album, The FirstFruit. While Mark had already been dropping hints about how personal this project would be — representing chapters of his past, present, and future — the concept hit a little closer to home when he enlisted fellow NCT member and best friend Haechan as a feature on his second pre-release track, “+82 Pressin’.” As if this duo alone wasn’t strong enough musically to write home about, its coinciding music video is equally artistic, engaging, and memorable as the song itself.
Soaked in Sin City vibes from start to finish, “+82 Pressin’” is a feast for the eyes, paying homage to the film noir genre while also showcasing ‘90s West Coast hip-hop styles in between. In it, Mark and Haechan portray sharpshooters, two partners in crime you do not want to get mixed up with. All is well for the tag team as they ride through the streets of Seoul — that is, until there’s trouble for Mark, forcing Haechan to turn against him in a shocking act of betrayal. The rest of the video follows the story of two former partners going toe-to-toe in monochromatic grayscale with intentional splashes of red every so often. It would take days to fully break down this epic battle between friends-turned-foes (turned-maybe-friends-again-someday?), so we’ll cut this short so you can witness the exquisite cinematography for yourselves.
Chen, “Arcadia”
One of my favorite parts about doing these round-ups is getting a chance to spotlight a diamond in the rough — the type of music video that would usually fly under the radar by the masses because it’s not “flashy” or doesn’t look “expensive” enough. But sometimes, a video isn’t defined by its visuals or the money spent on it; it’s about how it moves you and what it represents, both aesthetically and symbolically. In Chen’s “Arcadia,” that feeling is both healing and euphoric, as the EXO singer unleashes his inner rockstar to acknowledge past scars while still moving forward toward inner peace.
For his fifth mini-album, Chen trades in his “Ballad King” title for a punchier, rock-driven title track — a style usually reserved for his (and EXO-CBX’s) Japanese discography. This shift in sound allows his typical image to shift as well, opting for a more stylistic approach and combining his powerhouse vocals with a live band. As “Arcadia” opens on a building with dozens of floors — representing the levels it takes to reach one’s paradise — we follow Chen on his metaphorical journey of self-acceptance and purpose until he’s finally come full circle.
“Feelings abandoned as if they meant nothing / Gazes hidden behind the dust,” he sings solemnly in all-black attire. While the video itself is set in a plain white room, it’s the attention to detail, like his outfit changes representing his changing state of mind and the creative editing choices, that tell a story of a broken man becoming whole again. As Chen lets loose and breaks away from his mental blocks, it’s almost like a part of him is set free, unveiling a stronger and more confident side of him that we don’t get to see quite often anymore. If “Arcadia” is the diamond, then Chen is the crown that it sits comfortably on.
TWICE, “ME+YOU”
In 2025, girl group TWICE marked their 10th anniversary since debuting with “Like Ooh-Ahh” under JYP Entertainment. To celebrate, the girls released their fifth studio album, Ten: The Story Goes On, featuring the soft R&B/pop track “ME+YOU” and a video that beautifully encapsulates the unbreakable bond the members have built over a decade.
While TWICE’s usual MVs are super polished, stylish, and make the group feel larger than life, “ME+YOU” isn’t afraid to show the members as they truly are: a bit quirky, very silly, and most importantly, girls who just wanna have fun. Throughout the video, we watch TWICE set up their new apartment, where chaos and antics quickly ensue as the girls play hilariously scripted versions of themselves based on their real-life personalities as seen through various behind-the-scenes content. However, the icing on the cake is the many references the group makes to its past eras, like “Knock Knock,” “What Is Love,” and, finally, bringing it full circle with 2015’s “Like Ooh-Ahh.” As Sana plugs in a USB drive found by Nayeon, we’re treated to a recreation of TWICE’s debut music video, with the members even going as far as wearing the same outfits and redoing the iconic bus scene from 10 years ago.
Everything about “ME+YOU” is fun, wacky, and nostalgic in all the best ways — a true celebration of girlhood and a love letter not only to each other but the fans who have grown up alongside these nine best friends with a dream.
Hearts2Hearts, “Focus”
Debuting in February as SM Entertainment’s newest girl group, Hearts2Hearts had the daunting task of winning over the general public with their first single, “The Chase.” Three singles and one mini album later, the octet has already accomplished that, and then some, scoring Best New Artist and Rookie of the Year awards across several Korean award shows. Their latest title track, “Focus,” takes them on a runway finish, with ethereal visuals that match the song's cosmic sounds.
From the jump, I appreciate the fact that Hearts2Hearts has (so far) stuck to the school concept they’ve had since debut — it’s such a nostalgic feeling and harks back to the early days of K-pop when every group went through the ‘school uniform’ phase at least once. This take, however, is far sleeker than any we’ve seen yet, primarily due to the chic house-pop genre “Focus” derives from. Visually, much of the choreography and camerawork plays with the concept of mirror images, with the members often mirroring each other’s actions to create eye-catching formations and pictures. Special shout-out to A-Na and Jiwoo for that short but mind-blowing fight sequence in the second chorus — give these girls an action film, already.
MONSTA X, “Do What I Want”
Looking back, 2015 really was an outstanding year for K-pop. Not only did it give us some of the most pivotal comebacks from popular veteran groups, but it also gave birth to a new batch of artists that would usher in the next evolution of K-pop — one of those groups being MONSTA X. Like TWICE and SEVENTEEN, who also crossed the decade-long threshold this year, sextet MONSTA X doubled their 10th anniversary celebration with the release of their first compilation album, Now Project Vol. 1, in May and 13th mini album, The X, in September. Now that the six members are back together for the first time in four years, it’s time for MONSTA X to get back to doing what they always do: work hard to play even harder.
In the video for their pre-release track, “Do What I Want,” MONSTA X is serving 2000s supernatural sexy summer — a sentence I bet you never thought you’d see strung together until now. Transforming into mischievous goblins known as dokkaebi with horns on their foreheads, elf-like ears, and various piercings, the members are purely just here for the vibes and to look hot in the process. Shownu and I.M shamelessly flaunt their toned shirtless bodies like it’s a magazine editorial while the others are either playing pool, rocking out in their garage, or dance battling against each other like they’re a dance crew on You Got Served.
“Do What I Want” is so deliciously dated, crunchy, and hilarious, like you’re watching a homemade video that a bunch of dudes came up with in their backyard one day when they were bored. The camcorder-esque feel lends itself well to the late ‘90s, early aughts of it all, topped with smoke machines and strobing lights to emulate that carefree club-meets-house-party vibe.
XLOV, “Rizz”
If XLOV's “Rizz” (and their synchronized splits) haven't been all over your FYP these last few weeks, there's a good chance you're missing out on one of the most unique acts of 2025. Debuting at the top of the year with “I’mma Be,” the quartet was already making history as K-pop’s first genderless group, meaning everything from their style to the choreography would blur the lines and challenge gender stereotypes into something that is entirely their own. While the boy group has had eye-popping visuals from the start, with glamorous hairstyles and intricate nails, it’s their latest single, “Rizz,” that lives up to the full potential of what XLOV is capable of.
Filmed at the circular abandoned school building in South Korea (where other K-pop videos like Stray Kids’ “Hellevator” and Kim Lip’s “Eclipse” were filmed), “Rizz” is gritty and apocalyptic yet sexy and alluring in all the right ways. The song itself tantalizes this listener, reveling in how easily the group traps you in their clutches and has you at their mercy with the snap of a finger. Visually, the video follows suit, with XLOV positioned as a group to be worshipped and revered, as if they were otherworldly beings appearing before their loyal subjects. From the breathtaking transitions as each member warps into another to the stunning work of their hair and makeup department, “Rizz” is eerily entrancing and uses the group’s gender ambiguity to its full advantage.
While the genderless concept itself isn’t reflective of the boy group’s individual gender identities, the result has already resonated deeply within the queer space, as XLOV is the first Korean group of its kind to represent queer communities so openly, loudly, and shamelessly. Their existence alone speaks volumes as to what K-pop is capable of when we just allow artists to be authentically themselves without labels, stereotypes, or expectations.
HYO, “YES”
The electronic dance queen of K-pop has graced us with yet another club banger and astoundingly hot video with “YES,” an electro-house anthem primed for the nightlife. While most of HYO’s previous music videos involve big set pieces and intricate choreography, “YES” is much more understated but just as effective, channeling a ‘90s Eurodance aesthetic that we never knew we missed.
Set in front of a white backdrop, HYO breaks out of her comfort zone by focusing less on choreography and more on the “feel” of the energetic track. “I’m such a tease when I drop it like I do / Might cause a scene when I’m dancing like ooh-ooh,” she sings coyly. Where most fans would expect a complete dance break, the SNSD singer puts a spotlight on ballroom culture. She tries her hand at voguing, mirroring the dancer, and immersing herself in its sleek movement.
With a vintage look that pops just as much as its infectious beat, “YES” is reminiscent of those sweaty club nights where your feet rarely leave the dance floor because the DJ is giving everything they’ve got. Here, HYO is that DJ, capturing the essence of a siren with both her moves and her voice — it’s hard to look away, but why would you want to?
Dayoung, “body”
One solo debut no one could’ve seen coming is Dayoung of girl group WJSN and her viral post-summer hit, “body.” For many, this release came out of the blue and quickly climbed the ranks on streaming platforms and Korean music charts, when in reality, Dayoung had been meticulously planning this moment for months leading up to her debut. Between networking in LA, studying English, and finding the right people to help her make her dreams come true, the 26-year-old singer proved she was hungry and ready to become the pop star we all needed.
Set and filmed in a gorgeous home in California, “body” is visually refreshing and bursting with hot-summer fun, with the video direction leaning more toward choreography than glamour shots and fancy editing. This puts Dayoung at center stage and allows her natural charisma to shine as she and her dancers bounce from one formation to the next, both inside and outside the residence. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think Dayoung has been solo for years; that’s how well she carries this MV from start to finish, coyly flirting with the camera and hitting her mark like she was made for this. Her transformation from an adorable WJSN member to a confident and badass soloist is unlike any other we’ve seen this year, making “body” the girly-pop summer anthem we’d been waiting for.
ATEEZ, “In Your Fantasy”
Starting a song with, “I know what you into, baby got a type / Yeah, I could be gentle, but that ain’t what you like,” is crazy work for a group that has already cultivated such a sexy presence in the K-pop space. And yet, ATEEZ still manages to outdo themselves with their sultry dance/R&B track, “In Your Fantasy.” As the title suggests, the eight-member group invites the listener to indulge in their deepest desires — to hand over control and allow themselves the pleasures that only ATEEZ can provide.
Taking place in a secret, invite-only club, “In Your Fantasy” knows precisely the kind of music video it wants to be right out of the gate. The color palette consists mainly of red and black, with red symbolizing passion and seduction, while black, in this case, could be seen as dancing with the devil, especially given the lyrical content. “Read between the lines, look here, Lucifer / Devil in disguise, we know how this works.”
Each member has their own scenes where they’re clearly tempting the audience to submit, whether it’s the way the camera lingers on San as he rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt or the way Hongjoong runs his fingers across the plush material of a chair, leaving noticeable marks in their wake. Safe to say, the spell is working, as “In Your Fantasy” is both visually and sonically a sinful treat and almost too hot to handle. Proceed with caution.
Ten, “BAMBOLA”
Since his debut in 2024, Ten’s solo body of work these past few years has continuously evolved and elevated in quality. Vocals of a male siren, choreography that's always ahead of the curve, and music videos with a flair for the dramatics. That’s why it should come as no surprise to see the WayV member end up on this list with his pre-release track, “Bambola,” where he becomes the impish puppet master, and we are the puppets.
Complementing the hectic and experimental nature of the song — which is a whole separate beast in itself — “Bambola” can only be described as K-pop in a kaleidoscope, taking so many colorful twists and turns along the way. Linguistically, ‘bambola’ is the Italian word for doll, in which Ten takes full advantage of and sings of playing with his prey as if they were his little playthings — think voodoo but with a flirtatious edge. “Sometimes I play with you real slow / I choose two, when to stop and when to go / Love it when you’re under my control,” he croons.
More often than not, Ten is at his best when he’s taking on the role of a tempting snake that would gladly bend his victims to his will without a second thought. Here, the singer demonstrates this in more ways than one, whether it’s commanding the camera’s movements to sync up with the choreography or literally stopping, starting, and glitching the frame as he pleases. It’s mischievous but playful, confusing but immensely enjoyable as he dances through each scene with an aura that’s just as spellbinding as it is bewildering.
THE BOYZ, “VVV”
2025 has been a roller coaster of a year for THE BOYZ, to say the least. After leaving their former label, IST Entertainment, in 2024 and signing on to ONE HUNDRED, the boy group had finally begun a new chapter with their first release of the year, “VVV.” Reminiscent of the octet’s early dance-pop roots, “VVV” is an explosive return to form — a sleeker, more mature, and more refined version of what THE BOYZ were known for circa 2017 to 2019. With such an explosive and musically relentless title track at their fingertips, it’s only right to have an equally thrilling music video to back it up.
The central plot of “VVV” follows the group sneaking into an underground boxing club, with Juyeon facing the reigning champion and Sunwoo serving as the referee. Throughout the song’s incredible four-minute runtime, clips flash back and forth of the Latin phrase, “Veni, vidi, vici,” written on bathroom walls and mirrors. It’s a phrase attributed to Julius Caesar that translates to “I came, I saw, I conquered.” Just as it seems the match is over for Juyeon, he bounces back with a vengeance, as the building starts crumbling under the weight of his sheer willpower. “Fragile dreams, fragile heart / Break apart but leave your mark,” Jacob sings in the pre-chorus, symbolically paralleling the boxing match and THE BOYZ’s tumultuous history.
In an epic finale, the group is shown dancing on a gorgeously lit set atop a circular platform before walking toward their logo and standing victorious. Although the road has been rocky, with the 11-member group reduced to 10 this year, the triumphant nature of “VVV” serves as a reminder that no matter how many times THE BOYZ get knocked down, they will always get back up and fight with everything they’ve got. That’s what being a champion is all about.
Haechan, “CRZY”
Well, folks, we have arrived — the year NCT’s Haechan finally makes his solo debut. After featuring on his bandmate’s solo album earlier this year, the NCT Dream and 127 singer decided it was now his time to shine in his debut album, Taste. With its lead single, “CRZY,” Taste delves into the late 90s-mid 2000s R&B/pop realm, reminiscent of Justin Timberlake’s Future Sex/Love Sounds album and a dash of Usher.
Visually, “CRZY” is one of the smoothest pieces to come out of 2025, perfectly highlighting the singer’s suave MJ-inspired performance while bringing out a compelling artistic direction. The video takes place in an art museum, with Haechan likening the overwhelming beauty of its paintings to that of a mysterious woman he sees there. From then on, his senses are sent into overdrive, trying his best to contain this passion without falling off the deep end.
Underneath it all, however, there’s an underlying sexiness to the control and restraint in Haechan’s body when he dances and even in his voice. When he goes full out, it’s striking, but when he holds back, giving us just enough to make us hold our breath before clamoring for more, that’s when you feel the gravitas he carries as a performer. A true student of the craft.
CLOSE YOUR EYES, “Snowy Summer”
In just the short amount of time they’ve been active, boy group CLOSE YOUR EYES has already carved out a unique identity for itself in the K-pop landscape. With music ranging from dreamy R&B/electro-pop to energetic house-inspired tracks, the septet is quickly stacking up a discography that is more fleshed out than most rookie groups tend to have at this stage in the game — did we mention they only just debuted this year? The quality doesn’t end with their music, however. The coinciding video for the group’s first comeback, “Snowy Summer,” offers a new, refreshing direction for summer comebacks and showcases one of the group’s apparently hidden talents: comedic timing.
You’ve heard of Christmas in July — well, “Snowy Summer” is that with a delightfully spooky twist, mixed with a healthy dose of dark humor that you don’t quite find often in K-pop. The plot begins with Seungho delivering a pizza to a house party, where the other members are hanging out. But before he even fully gets through the door, he trips and falls, sending the pizza skyrocketing through the apartment and creating a domino effect in which the rest of the group is comedically killed through freak accidents. However, since Seungho is the only one who survived, he is haunted and occasionally possessed by the rest of the group, who continuously plot his downfall (and succeed) through hilarious mishaps and disasters.
What makes “Snowy Summer” so charming and stand out from the crowd is its willingness to take creative risks and subvert expectations of the typical summer comeback. Yes, we love beaches and hanging out by the pool and frolicking in the park, but CLOSE YOUR EYES reminds us that we actually can have our multi-seasonal cake and eat it too.
MEOVV, “BURNING UP”
Some music videos exist to simply watch and enjoy, while others are made to get you on your feet and dance without a care in the world — MEOVV’s latest single, “BURNING UP,” falls under the latter. Debuting in 2024 under THEBLACKLABEL, the five-member girl group has shown they are as cool as they are feisty, a dichotomy best demonstrated in the video for “BURNING UP” through an intense dance performance and ice-cold charisma.
Lyrically, the song is all about empowerment, channeling one’s inner fire to forge a new path and rise above expectations. In a visual sense, “BURNING UP” conveys that fire and determination through its choreography, with the members executing top-notch footwork and ethereal movements as they shift between hot and cold temperatures.
When they finally experience the cool-down phase, shown when the girls are dancing in the rain, there’s a sense of relief that they’ve made it past their most difficult obstacles and can finally breathe. The stifling tension and satisfying release permeate the screen, leaving you just as breathless until all that remains is pure euphoria. A good MEOVV dance break will definitely do that to you.
aespa, “Rich Man”
It’s almost mind-blowing to think about the phenomenal run aespa’s been on these past two years. From “Spicy” all the way up to “Whiplash,” the quartet set out on a mission to secure their spot as one of the K-pop’s biggest girl groups of the new era. In 2025, the girls continued their domination with “Dirty Work” and “Rich Man,” the latter of which earned the group 10 first-place awards on South Korea’s music programs. But while the song is infectious and empowering on its own, let’s take a moment to appreciate the spectacular visuals that accompany it.
Taking inspiration from American singer Cher, who, in 1995, referred to herself in an interview as a “rich man,” aespa embodies the same confidence and independence needed to sell such a bold statement and video. We see the members take on and excel in predominantly male-dominated fields, including football, racing, and mechanics, hammering home the idea that they are their own providers and money-makers — a man can’t do for them what they’ve already done for themselves. “I'm my own biggest fan, and I’m high in demand / I’m a rich man,” NingNing and Winter fearlessly sing in the chorus.
From sweeping shots to Karina running across the football field to badass scenes of Winter fixing and holding up a car, it’s evident there was a clear direction for “Rich Man” to be and feel like aespa’s most feminist and formidable entry to date. Of course, knowing it was filmed and directed by the Korean production company Rigend Film makes a world of sense, given how dynamic and scopic it all feels. If there’s one thing aespa will do, it’s deliver unapologetic and daring anthems.
