Gallup Korea interviewed people across Korea to find out their favorite singers and songs in 2025. The results are divided by age group and cover a range of genres from K-pop to Trot. Keep on reading and find out the list of the most loved singers and songs in 2025!
Gallup Korea Reveals the Most Loved Korean Singers & Songs in 2025
In 2025, Gallup Korea conducted surveys three times in July, September, and November across South Korea, excluding Jeju. They interviewed 5,148 people out of 14,778 people to name their favorite singers and songs.
According to Gallup Korea’s 2025 poll results for the most popular singers and songs, IU, Lim Young-woong, BLACKPINK, and Hwang Karam dominate.
See the complete list of singers and songs loved across generations in 2025 below.
Gallup Korea’s Survey Overview
Gallup Korea ran this poll in three waves: July 3–27, 2025; September 8–24; and November 11–28. It used stratified cluster probability-proportional sampling and in-person interviews (CAPI). The target groups were 2,097 people ages 13–39 and 3,051 people ages 40+, nationwide, excluding Jeju.
Respondents gave open-ended answers, naming up to three favorite singers who are active this year. They also named up to three favorite songs that were released or performed this year (including the artists). The response rate was 34.8% (5,148 completed out of 14,778 contacts), with a 95% margin of error of ±2.1%p (ages 13–39) and ±1.8%p (ages 40+). Younger listeners love K-pop powerhouses, while older listeners show stronger “long-run loyalty,” especially in trot.
Top Korean Singers
Ages 13 and 39
For ages 13 to 39, IU takes No. 1 with 20.1%. This isn’t her first time winning these rankings (she’s topped them since 2011). She also ranked high in Gallup Korea’s survey for “Talent of the Year.” Her 2025 activity stayed steady: music releases, TV appearances, acting, and strong momentum from her recent world tour success (as noted in the survey summary).
Right behind her, BLACKPINK ranks No. 2 with 18.1%, powered by full-group synergy and a comeback that didn’t just make noise; it topped the charts. aespa follows at 14.0%, with IVE at 12.2%, NewJeans at 12.0%, and BTS at 10.9%, still holding a major presence even with a full-group activity gap.
The rest of the top 10 includes G-DRAGON (10.7%), Rosé (7.2%), Hwang Karam (5.3%), and DAY6 (5.0%). This year has been an outstanding year for Korean singer Hwang Karam. He enters the top list for the first time, helped by the emotional pull and renewed spotlight around “I Am a Firefly.”
Ages 40 and Older
For ages 40 and older, Im Young-woong ranks No. 1 with 29.1%. This marks his sixth consecutive year at the top of Gallup Korea’s list. According to the survey notes, his support shows trust built through regular releases, OST work, major public visibility, and intense live performances.
No. 2 is Jang Yoon-jung (12.3%). She has been popular for a long time and stays close to her fans through her music and variety shows. Then come Lee Chan-won (12.0%), Young-tak (9.1%), and Song Ga-in (7.9%). Together, they keep trot music strong.
IU appears on the list with 7.7%. She becomes one of the few artists who appeals to multiple age groups. Then comes Jin Sung (6.9%), Park Seo-jin (6.3%), Hwang Karam (5.9%), and Na Hun-a (5.5%), who announced his retirement in January this year.
Top Korean Songs
Ages 13 to 39
Among ages 13 to 39, “JUMP” (BLACKPINK) lands at No. 1 with 10.7%. This shows that the group’s comeback not only generated buzz but also left a lasting impression. No. 2 is last year’s champion, “APT.” (Rosé & Bruno Mars) at 10.2%, proving it has serious replay power.
Then comes the emotional curveball: “I Am a Firefly” by Hwang Karam at 6.6%, followed by “POWER” by G-DRAGON (4.9%) and “like JENNIE” (Jennie) (4.5%). The list also includes “Don’t You Know?” by ZO ZAZZ (3.6%) and “Golden,” one of the popular tracks from Netflix’s animation film “K-pop Demon Hunters” by HUNTR/X (3.3%). Then, “XOXZ” by IVE (3.2%), “Bye, Summer” by IU (2.9%), and “Rich Man” by aespa (2.7%).
Seven out of the top 10 songs are new releases this year. Younger listeners stay up to date with new songs and trends, making a significant impact.
Ages 40 and Older
For ages 40 and older, the top song of the year is “I Am a Firefly” by Hwang Karam, which achieved 6.7%. This song surpasses the previous champion, “Love Always Runs Away” by Lim Young-woong, which received 5.4% and had topped the list from 2022 to 2024.
Next is “Call the Soul” by Jang Yoon-jung (4.1%), “APT.” (3.9%), and “Trust in Me” by Lim Young-woong (3.7%). The rest of the top 10 includes songs that have a lasting popularity like “At Andong Station” by Jin Sung (3.3%), “A Glass of Makgeolli” by Young-tak (3.0%), “Don’t You Know?” by ZO ZAZZ (2.6%), “Eternal Moment” by Lim Young-woong (2.5%), and two Lee Chan-won’s tracks “Fate in Time” and “Jinttopagi,” tied at 2.3%.
In this age group, only two top-10 songs were released this year. Those are “Don’t You Know?” by ZO ZAZZ and “Eternal Moment” by Lim Young Woong. Other tracks show how older hits can return, stay, and continue to succeed, supported by music shows, competitions, and streaming playlists that blur the line between “old” and “new.”
2025 Singers and Songs That Shone This Year
2025 Gallup Korea’s survey results feel like a mirror and a message. Younger respondents love K-pop hits, while older respondents reward steady voices and timeless songs. A few tracks bridge the gap, proving music can transcend ages. If you could pick one artist and one song as 2025’s real MVP, who gets your vote? Drop your answer below.
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