2025 has marked a pivotal year for Korean entertainment, as K-pop groups shattered global records, Korean actors expanded their international presence, and the influence of Korean culture reached unprecedented heights while industry-wide controversies and challenges continued to reshape the landscape.

EXO’s triumphant comeback

EXO returned with a highly anticipated music and fanmeeting, selling out arenas in South Korea. Their comeback single topped multiple international charts, confirming the group’s enduring influence in the K-pop scene.

Stray Kids leads

Stray Kids dominated streaming platforms, tours and awards, earning Forbes’ No. 1 K-pop group title for 2025. Their global fanbase continues to grow, cementing their status as international leaders in K-pop.

Blackpink breaks records

Blackpink members Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo and Rosé made headlines individually, with solo hits achieving massive streaming success. The group’s Deadline World Tour played to sold-out arenas worldwide, demonstrating Blackpink’s continued global appeal.

BTS builds anticipation

Even during a hiatus, BTS captured worldwide attention with news of recording completion and an upcoming 2026 comeback, maintaining their position as one of the most influential K-pop acts globally.

SEVENTEEN and aespa expand globally

SEVENTEEN drew massive crowds during Japan’s four major domes tour, and aespa made history as the first K-pop girl group to headline Morocco’s Mawazine Festival, highlighting K-pop’s expanding international footprint.

K-actors on the rise

Park Seo Joon earned acclaim for his role in Netflix’s Shadow of the City, garnering awards at international film festivals. Kim So Hyun starred in the hit drama Midnight Sun, topping domestic and overseas streaming charts.

Lee Jong Suk impressed audiences with his performance in Phantom Signal, gaining praise for his versatility. Bae Suzy led the romantic drama Love in Seoul, achieving record-breaking ratings and global attention. She also starred in Genie, Make A Wish with Kim Woo Bin. 

Netflix’s big holiday release Cashero, starring Lee Jun Ho, debuted to strong viewership, blending action, comedy, and social commentary as a hero whose powers come with real financial consequences. 

On Hulu, Made In Korea drew attention for its gripping 1970s espionage narrative and the powerhouse performance by Hyun Bin as a double-life intelligence agent navigating morality and danger. 

A wave of September 2025 debuts showcased top stars like Jun Ji Hyun and Gang Dong Won in the spy-romance Tempest, part of a wider fall release surge that also included multiple genres from crime thrillers to romance. 

Earlier in the year, limited series and genre experiments such as Hyper Knife (medical/crime) and Way Back Love (fantasy romance) highlighted creative risks and fresh storytelling in K-dramas. 

Netflix continued to expand its Korean drama portfolio with titles like You and Everything Else, which premiered in September 2025 and added to the platform’s diverse offerings. 

K-pop continued to influence global media. The animated film KPop Demon Hunters became Netflix’s most-watched movie in history, showcasing the cultural reach of Korean entertainment beyond music.

Scandals and probes

What was meant to be a year of recovery and celebration for Korean entertainment turned into a relentless cycle of scandals, legal battles, and public drama in 2025. From shocking investigations to career collapses and health crises, the country’s top stars spent the year under intense scrutiny.

Actress Hwang Jung Eum faced indictment over corporate fund embezzlement, while former T-ara member Ahreum received a suspended prison sentence for fraud. Broadcaster Lee Jin Ho’s career effectively ended after a drunk-driving incident compounded previous gambling controversies.

Family disputes also made headlines. Park Soo Hong’s elder brother was sentenced to prison in a high-profile case, exposing private conflicts to the public. Even singer Psy drew scrutiny after authorities investigated allegations of prescription misconduct, igniting ethical debates nationwide.

Beyond legal cases, scandals became contagious. The death of actor Kim Sae Ron led to disputes involving actor Kim Soo Hyun, triggering online debate and intense public reaction. Political tensions during the June snap presidential elections also spilled into entertainment, with stars like aespa’s Karina and Hong Jin Kyung scrutinized for perceived political statements through fashion.

THE BOYZ’s Ju Haknyeon left his group over a private meeting controversy, and comedian Jo Se Ho stepped back amid allegations linked to organized crime. Public feuds, including one between MC Mong and Lee Da In, revealed extreme personal confessions, shocking fans nationwide.

Actor Cho Jin Woong disclosed past juvenile offenses and faced assault allegations, leading to retirement. Park Na Rae became embroiled in the so-called “injection aunt” scandal, sparking a chain reaction affecting SHINee’s Key, YouTuber Short Mouth Sun, and multiple programs. 

Actor Jin Tae Hyun underwent thyroid cancer surgery, comedian Park Mi Sun battled cancer, actress Nana survived a home intrusion, and singer Sung Si Kyung faced management disputes. 

By the end of 2025, Korean entertainment felt less like a stage for glamor and more like a minefield of controversy.