Korean Music's Global Moment: 2025 Recap & 2026 Outlook
Korean music dominated global streaming in 2025. BTS returns March 2026. Explore K-Pop's rise and what's next for Korean artists.
Korean songs dominating Spotify's global streaming charts in 2025
2025 was the year when Korean pop music demonstrated its streaming-driven influence in the global music market.
And 2026 is expected to continue this momentum through full-group comebacks, world tours, and long-term chart success.
In this article:
How much love did Korean music receive in the 2025 global music market?
What influence will it show in 2026? Which Korean artists should we watch?
1️⃣ 2025 Year in Review: Korean Music's Presence on Global Charts
The Key Metric of 2025: Streaming
Streaming has become the most realistic indicator for measuring global music popularity, reflecting real-time consumption, borderless accessibility, and repeat plays.
Within this trend, Korean music achieved clear success.
Korean Songs That Topped Global Streaming Rankings in 2025
In 2025, Korean music showed a distinct presence on global streaming charts.
Among them, ROSÉ's 'APT.' ranked 3rd worldwide, and 'Golden' from the K-Pop Demon Hunters OST ranked 7th. Both rankings are based on Spotify Wrapped 2025 and year-end global streaming platform charts.
Beyond these two tracks, other Korean songs also gained attention:
aespa — Dirty Work
ENHYPEN — Bad Desire
TWICE — THIS IS FOR
Saja Boys — Your Idol
These Korean songs entered the Global Top 50, demonstrating Korean music's broad presence on international streaming platforms.
The significance lies in the fact that these tracks were naturally consumed within the global streaming ecosystem, not confined to specific countries. This shows that K-Pop has become music consumed by general global listeners beyond dedicated fandoms.
BLACKPINK's massive stadium concert with global fanbase
2️⃣ 2026 Outlook: Growing Influence of Korean Artists in the Global Market
2026 is not just a continuation—it's a year when structurally bigger changes are expected.
1. BTS — The Biggest Variable: Full-Group Comeback on March 20
One of the biggest events in the 2026 global music market will be BTS's full-group comeback.
First full-group activity after military service
New album release + possible world tour
Expected global simultaneous reaction across streaming, sales, and tours
👉 When discussing K-Pop in 2026, BTS will likely be at the center once again.
2. Stray Kids — Stable Global Chart Force
Already achieving consistent success on Billboard and global charts
Very solid streaming-based fanbase
High likelihood of maintaining influence in 2026 with new albums and tours
3. BLACKPINK — Synergy of Solo and Group Activities
Maintaining global recognition through individual solo activities
Maximum impact when group activities resume
Sustained global influence across brand, music, and tours
4. ENHYPEN, IVE, (G)I-DLE — Long-Term Growth Groups
Steadily rising global streaming numbers
Simultaneous expansion in North America, Europe, and Asia markets
Continued potential for Billboard Global chart entries in 2026
BTS comeback scheduled for March 2026
5. 2026 Comebacks and Rising Stars
Scheduled Comebacks
Apink
EXO
ENHYPEN
CNBLUE
Billboard Prospects
CLOSE YOUR EYES
NuerA
KickFlip
Upcoming Debuts
ALPHA DRIVE ONE
LNGSHOT
aespa's "Dirty Work" dominated global streaming charts
Conclusion: 2025 Was Proof, 2026 Is Expansion
2025 was the year Korean music proved itself in the global streaming market
2026 is the year when that success will expand through full-group comebacks and long-term chart performance
Korean pop music is no longer 'music from a specific country' but content naturally consumed within the global music market ecosystem.
In 2026, this trend will become even more evident.
Which Korean artist are you most excited about in 2026?
Share your expectations for BTS's full-group return in the comments below!
