The rankings for the "Most Anticipated Singers in 2025" have been finally revealed, organized by the Korean media outlet News1. The list was created along with 34 pop music experts containing their explanations of their respective picks.
BTS, who is set to complete its military service in 2025, took first place with a total of five votes. The septet had been so popular worldwide but they had to suspend its full group schedules due to the members' military service starting in 2022.
Jin, the eldest member, enlisted first in December of the same year, followed by J-Hope in April 2023.
READ ALSO: BTS Postpones V's Birthday Related Content To Honor Victims of Jeju Air Crash Tragedy
After that, Suga began his mandatory military service as a social service worker in September 2023, and RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook enlisted as active-duty soldiers in December 2023.
In June 2025, all the seven members will be complete, so fans are already showing great interest in their full group activities.
"It's the time when the full group will return, so we're looking forward to their activities and the members' activities, " explained a music industry insider who chose BTS as the most anticipated singer of 2025.
"BTS maintained their power this year despite being in the military, and they will remain at the top of K-pop in 2025," added another expert.
"Just the news of BTS' return is enough to cause HYBE's stock to soar and change the outlook for the K-pop industry, making them a very symbolic force," evaluated by a professional.
Following BTS, BIGBANG's leader G-Dragon took the second spot after earning four votes, just one vote short of tying with the boy group. He initially raised high expectations in 2024 after dropping "POWER," his first solo song in seven years. He also ignited more anticipation with its pre-release "HOME SWEET HOME," featuring Taeyang and Daesung.
The team is said to be preparing for its comeback in 2026 to commemorate its 20th debut anniversary, G-Dragon told the MK Sports.
Trailing behind the aforementioned artists is aespa who gained three votes.
In 2024, the quartet made back-to-back hits, such as "Supernova," "Armageddon," and "Whiplash."
In fourth place, RIIZE and MEOVV tied with two votes each, while 82Major, IST Entertainment's new girl group, NewJeans, Dynamic Duo, DAY6, LUCY, RESCENE, MONSTA X, BADVILLAIN, SEVENTEEN BSS, BLACKPINK, IVE, ATEEZ, N.Flying, YOUNG POSSE, YOUNITE, PLAYBACK, and WHIB received 1 vote each and secured the fifth place.
RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Hottest Controversies That Rocked the K-pop World in 2024: Taeil's Sexual Assault Case, Seunghan Leaving RIIZE, More!
