K-Pop legends Kim Jun-su and Kim Jae-joong have been announced as headliners for the 2025 Asia Top Artist Festival (ATA Festival).
According to the lineup revealed on November 2, Kim Jun-su and Kim Jae-joong will headline the festival on September 27 and 28, respectively. The announcement has sparked excitement among music fans, as these two artists, who were at the pinnacle of the second-generation K-Pop groups, are set to take the stage. Fans are eagerly anticipating the performances of these artists, often referred to as the 'Kings of K-Pop.'
Kim Jun-su, the headliner for Day 1, is actively involved in various fields, including musicals, singing, and entertainment. He is currently starring as Genie in the musical 'Aladdin.' Having established himself as a musical actor, he founded the musical actor agency Palm Tree Island. Recently, from October 27 to 29, the '2025 Palm Tree Island Third Gala Concert' featured eight musical actors, including Kim Jun-su, and received praise for its high-quality performances.
Kim Jun-su continues to engage with audiences as a singer, releasing digital singles like 'The 21st Season Will Wait for You' and contributing to the OST of the drama 'Moon in the Day.' In August, he will hold a fan concert in Japan, showcasing his enduring influence across genres and borders.
Kim Jae-joong, the headliner for Day 2, is exploring various music genres as a solo artist. In May, he released a new EP, 'Beauty in Chaos,' featuring the energetic title track 'ROCK STAR' and four other captivating songs, highlighting his 'Rock Jae-joong' persona.
With a strong international fanbase, Kim Jae-joong is embarking on an Asia tour, connecting with fans worldwide. Recognized for his influence, he was officially invited to the '60th Anniversary of Korea-Japan Diplomatic Normalization' event in Tokyo last month.
As a pivotal figure in K-Pop, Kim Jae-joong is also dedicated to nurturing future talent. He founded the entertainment agency iNKODE and produced the girl group Say My Name. Additionally, he will appear as a master on Mnet's new survival audition program 'Boys 2 Planet,' airing on the 17th. Kim Jae-joong also showcases his culinary skills on KBS 2TV's variety show 'New Release, Pyeonstorang' and engages with a diverse audience through his web variety show 'Jae's Friends.'
The festival's first day, September 27, will feature performances by artists such as Kyungseo, Park Hye-won, Say My Name, 10cm, Lee Mujin, Jannabi, Peppertones, H1-KEY, and Hwang Garam. On the 28th, The Boyz, Bad Villain, Eunice, QWER, Cravity, TWS, 82Major, Fifty Fifty, and Ha Sung-woon will take the stage.
The ATA Festival will be held on September 27-28 at the Youth Plaza in Nanji Hangang Park, Mapo-gu, Seoul. With a diverse lineup, the festival promises enjoyment for all ages. In addition to K-Pop performances, attendees can experience various aspects of Korean culture, including K-Food, K-Beauty, and K-Fashion. More information is available on the official ATA Festival Instagram (@ata_festival_official).
Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr