BLACKPINK and Stray Kids Dominate Global K-Pop Trends in 2025

Among the K-pop groups that have been active as a complete unit this year, BLACKPINK and Stray Kids have generated the most buzz worldwide, according to Google Trends.

Google Trends allows users to see which search terms have garnered more interest among Google users. While it can compare up to five search terms at once, cross-comparison can determine popularity among more than five terms. Using this method, the popularity ranking of search terms for over 20 standout K-pop groups in the global music scene was established. The survey period was from the beginning of the year until October 12.

Setting the scope to 'worldwide,' BLACKPINK emerged as the most searched K-pop group, followed by Stray Kids. They were trailed by TWICE, Lisa (BLACKPINK), Cats Eye, Jennie (BLACKPINK), Rosé (BLACKPINK), SEVENTEEN, aespa, and G-Dragon (BIGBANG) in terms of global interest.

How do the results change when the scope is set to 'domestic'? In South Korea, Jennie was the most searched K-pop artist during this period. IVE ranked second, followed by aespa, G-Dragon, SEVENTEEN, BOYNEXTDOOR, TWICE, Rosé, BLACKPINK, and ILLIT.

Among the top 10 domestic Google Trends, seven were female idol groups or solo artists from such groups. This aligns with the sentiment that "2025 was the golden era for female idols" in the domestic K-pop market. Notably, IVE, which has yet to make a significant global impact, enjoyed immense popularity in South Korea.

BLACKPINK, which topped global Google Trends, made history in July as the first K-pop girl group to perform at the Goyang Sports Complex. This performance kicked off their 'DEADLINE' world tour, spanning 33 shows across 16 cities. They released the new song 'JUMP,' which climbed to second place on Melon's main chart, TOP100.

Stray Kids, ranked second globally, consistently maintained high visibility. Their frequent comebacks in March, June, August, and November likely contributed positively to their popularity.

Domestically, BLACKPINK's Jennie took the top spot. In March, she released her first solo studio album, 'Ruby.' The album's title track, 'Like JENNIE,' and her October single 'Mantra' both received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America. 'Like JENNIE' was also named the top song in Billboard's '25 Best K-Pop Songs of 2025.'

IVE, which ranked second domestically, released their third EP, 'IVE EMPATHY,' in February. The double title track 'REBEL HEART' topped Melon's TOP100 chart, while another track, 'ATTITUDE,' reached fifth place.

NewJeans was excluded from the comparison due to legal disputes with their agency, ADOR, preventing full group activities. However, without considering these circumstances, NewJeans would have topped Google Trends this year.

By Min-Kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr