4 Rookie K-Pop Groups to Look Out for in 2025

by Tayah Fox

A new cohort of K-pop rookies has arrived on the scene, showcasing various sounds and styles and stunning international audiences with their fresh talents.

From bright, bubbly pop tracks to eerie hip-hop and R&B fusions, these rookies are proving that their skills come from years of hard work. With the dedication put into their music and performances, 2025 will hold success for these newcomers and familiar faces alike. Below, discover the top rookie K-pop groups you should keep on your radar this year.

(Image courtesy of MODHAUS)

ILLIT

Formed on the survival show R U Next?, this five-member ensemble—Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee and Iroha—dominated the K-pop scene with their debut "Magnetic." The song embodies a whimsical aura, showcasing the girls as dreamy pop stars, stealing the hearts of fans with their enchanting choreography and colorful stage outfits. With this debut, the group broke countless records, including being the fastest K-pop group to reach 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify. The girls ended the first year of their career with three new artist awards, including the MAMA award for Best New Female Artist. The future looks bright for the quintet. We can't wait to see what they have brewing for 2025.

 

Also read about: Bored With Your Hair? Try One of These 5 Colors Inspired by Your Favorite K-Pop Idols

 

XLOV

This brand-new quartet featuring Wumuti, Rui, Hyun and Haru debuted on Jan. 7 of this year with the hauntingly beautiful track "I'mma Be." The group took a brave leap into the spotlight with a genderless concept, capturing audiences' attention across the internet. XLOV adopted an eerie sound with their debut, blending a mysterious energy with hip-hop and R&B elements. Curiosity quickly grew surrounding the group, considering their daring image and fascinating sound. XLOV's debut is a perfect introduction to a group with great potential.

 

TWS

Shinyu, Dohoon, Youngjae, Hanjin, Jihoon and Kyungmin form the fresh K-pop boy group TWS. Their name means "Twenty-Four Seven With Us," which showcases the boyhood pop concept they've adopted. This youthful image spills into their music, as heard in their debut song, "Plot Twist." The bubbly track features a refreshing sound, colorful synths, and a carefree, boyish spirit. Since their debut in January 2022, they've climbed into the hearts of many K-pop fans worldwide, accumulating various accolades, including Rookie of the Year at the 2024 Asia Artist Awards. 2024 was already kind to TWS, and we believe 2025 will be even kinder.

 

Also read about: 20 Heartfelt Lyrics From Your Favorite K-Pop Boy Groups to Use as an Instagram Caption

 

ARTMS

While their faces may not be new to the K-pop scene, Heejin, Haseul, Kim Lip, Jinsoul and Choerry returned to their fans as ARTMS on Feb. 28, 2024. Following their departure from LOONA, the quintet reunited to continue delivering their signature airy pop tracks to their devoted fanbase. Their debut album, DALL, features the title track, "Virtual Angel," an airy synth-pop track led by the whimsical vocals of the members. ARTMS' debut garnered much love and landed itself the No. 11 spot on Billboard's Top 20 K-pop albums of 2024. 2025 is already off to a sweet start for ARTMS, as they'll set off on a world tour in March.

 

Can't get enough of K-pop? Click HERE to learn all about popular group xikers.