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The end of the year countdowns are finally here! As always, we’ll kick off with the big one: The Bias List’s top 50 songs of the year! Each day this week, I’ll be counting down ten of the year’s best, until number one is revealed on Friday.
To be eligible for this top 50 list, songs must have had a Korean release as a title track, follow-up or promotional video between Dec. 1st, 2024 and Nov. 30th, 2025.
Curious about past countdowns? Check out the masterpost here!
Honorable Mentions
Songs 50-41
Songs 40-31
Songs 30-21
20. KickFlip – My First Love Song
KickFlip’s debut year material slowly transitioned from quirky hip-hop to anthemic pop/rock and My First Love Song stands as the pinnacle of that musical journey. New wave synth adds nostalgic texture as the guys’ youthful performance feels ripped right from a K-drama. (full review)
19. ZEROBASEONE – Blue
ZEROBASEONE opened their final full year with a buoyant singalong, proving they’re at their best when the music offers generous doses of pop melody and sunny, upbeat energy. (full review)
18. NTX – Over N Over
I love when a lesser-known group punches way above their weight class and surprises with a standout track like this. Over N Over‘s rollicking sound echoes early-2010s K-pop tropes, keeping its tempo high and calling all listeners to the party. (full review)
17. NCT Dream – BTTF
BTTF‘s a funny one because its louder, more obnoxious moments are almost daring me to hate it. However, the song somehow hit in just the right place, buoyed by the kind of majestic chorus SM Entertainment has built their reputation on. (full review)
16. RIIZE – Bag Bad Back
A song whose chorus is literally a monotone “Bag, bag, bag, bag, bag, bag, bag” should have no business near my year-end countdown, yet this slowly rose to become my favorite RIIZE single of the year. I credit the incredible production, which infuses a simple hip-hop track with an insane amount of sonic drama — most evident during its madcap, near-operatic bridge. (full review)
15. ONF – The Stranger
ONF are frequent friends of this countdown and they’ve done it again with the very SHINee-esque The Stranger. I must also give credit to longtime producer Hwang Hyun, who has steered the group’s sound with such finesse. The Stranger plants its flag confidently as yet another standout in their discography. (full review)
14. Hearts2Hearts – Style
Though much of Hearts2Hearts’s debut-era material opted for sleek, stylish and subdued, my favorite track bottled an effervescent energy best delivered by a wide-eyed rookie group. Style is simple pop, for sure, but excels at putting a smile on your face. (full review)
13. BOYNEXTDOOR – If I Say, I Love You
If I Say, I Love You will always be known as BOYNEXTDOOR’s breakthrough moment on the charts, and it seems there’s no looking back from here. What’s wonderful is that the song doesn’t seem cynically designed to become a mega-hit. It’s quirky, eminently singable and a great musical summary of what makes the group so endearing. (full review)
12. CRAVITY – Lemonade Fever
CRAVITY said “to hell with the upcoming winter season!” and delivered a summer banger just as the days were shortening. Lemonade Fever will probably be more enjoyable next July when the sun’s out and the temperature’s high, but its groovy production and buoyant chorus lifts spirits all year round. (full review)
11. NOWZ – Everglow
NOWZ earn my “most improved” medal this year, going from 2024 also-rans to a spot just outside of my top ten songs of 2025. Everglow pulls a striking 180 turn, giving them a gritty rock makeover with cathartic melodies that showcased a new level of talent and ambition. (full review)
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