10 alternative k-pop songs released in 2025 that you should listen to!

People on the forums love to say 2025 has been a terrible year for kpop. But I beg to differ. It can’t remember the last time I was so excited by the scene. So here’s 10 songs from either lesser known artists, or ones you might have overlooked, so check them out!

iiya - New!

First up is iiya, a new singer on the scene. She’s also a talented composer and songwriter and has worked with groups such as ifeye. This song has like 3k listens, but it’s so good, please check it out. If you’re a fan of Yves this will be right up your street.

Hanhee - 902+1

I made a thread about this song the other day, potential SOTY for me. If you checked out this, and liked it, check out the other songs in this thread, there’s a whole scene here waiting for you.

Kimmy Gone - Bassister

This is a straight up banger. Not much else to say.

(Bonus song) Kimmy Gone - Lipstick’s Gone

Let me add another Kimmy Gone song here, because I’m obsessed with her right now.

Last year was brat summer. This year was blush summer. Although everyone missed the memo (including me!). If you like Charlie XCX give this a listen.

Baek Yerin - Mirror

Admittedly I am stretching the definition of alternative here. This has already racked up 2 million views on the Tube. But I don’t hear it getting talked about enough here. Baek Yerin has really stepped out of her typical sound here and given us this funky masterpiece (with a great MV to boot).

iiso - Bloody Hell

Screenshot 2025-10-13 140836.png

iiso is destined for greater things I am sure of it. Check out this post-punk track first, then listen to some of her bedroom pop afterwards (like Salad Days) and be amazed it’s all the same artist.

Effie - MORE HYPER

Listening to this song earlier this year changed the trajectory of my life.

Yves + Pinkpantheress - Stars

Yves has enough cool credit she’s allowed to appear on this list. Especially as this collab with PinkPantheress is soooooo good.

System Seoul - ss_hoodie_skyblue_148bpm

I guess I should include some dudes, so here’s System Seoul, a collective of Korean Hyperpop rappers that I am just getting into. If you liked CORTIS (like me) and thought “I wish this sounded EVEN MORE like playboy carti”, this is the song for you lol.

kimj - My Unnies feat. SEBii, Effie, The Deep

My song of the summer. Kimj is a producer who works with many of the East Asian Hyperpop scene (peterparker69, Manaka, Effie, The Deep and more). He is also unashamedly a Skrillex fanboy. Don’t take this song too seriously, it’s kimj SEBii, Effie and The Deep goofing out while on vacation together and I love it.

Queen Dia! - LIP

If Baek Yerin is the top of the iceberg, this is the very bottom. With 26 monthly listeners on Spotify and <200 views on YouTube it might just be me and her friends and family listening here. But this is a great dreamy pop track underpinned with trap and future bass beats, so come join us!

I hope you found a new song you like in this list!

Feel free to add any other 2025 songs you think fit these vibes.

Quote from citron-icy

Hanhee & Queen Dia! have talent, I hope they gain recognition.

It's a good song, but the fact that it's so short with a rather repetitive instrumental I think is the area for improvement in this song.

Thanks for replying! Yes, I can imagine people wincing at a song 1:52 long being a “SOTY” , but I guess it’s a sign of the times.

I quite like short songs , and maybe my attention span is cooked because now listening to a song 4 minutes in length feels like it’s the Lord of the Rings trilogy - extended edition.

Quote from StanGIDLE

Good list.

I think this was the year where lesser known acts were able to shine. It's interesting to see the growth in the alternative soloist scene in kpop. I guess the power of social media helps, and seeing spotify numbers jump for multiple acts is great for kpop. Imo kpop should be at a place where non-idol music can gain traction and have that lane open for artist. I feel that only helps out the industry when they don't have to go through the idol route to have access and reach.

Also, I haven't listened of Kimmy Gone, but seeing 2 of her songs on this list will make me check her out.

I’ve been a little obsessed with her. She released an EP and an album almost back to back, and it’s that EP I would recommend:

I think you’ll love Lipstick’s Gone, but also Cutie Boy and Shit are stand outs to me (Shit sounds like Crystal Castles).

Also, she friends with Bébé Yana which I love to see

IMG_0654.jpg

Quote from StanGIDLE

We really need new music from Bébé Yana. Her music is amazing, but it's sad not much from her lately. I think she could really shine with alternative pop music getting attention these days.

Edit - listened to both the Kimmy Gone songs, and I see the potential. Going to listen to the EP later but I see this right up my alley.

Glad you like it! Yes Bebe Yana seems to be hanging out with producers and the like on Insta so I am sure she'll have a new release sooner rather than later (although nothing at all this year is a bit sad!)

Quote from WhyKnock

Hardly anyone paid attention to E. Jae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, all of them US citizens trying to do something in Korea.

The best chance they have is sending their presentations to Maggie Kang. One of them might get lucky.

Thanks for bumping the thread Chingoo