Top 4 Female Stars Expected To Excel In Entertainment In 2025, According To 100 Industry Insiders

As 2025 begins, entertainment professionals are buzzing about which K-Pop and actor stars will dominate variety shows this year. Celeb Media conducted a survey of 100 experts from entertainment companies, broadcasters, and content creators to find out the most anticipated female talents of 2025. Here are the top four names everyone is looking out for.

| @nmixx_official/Instagram

1. NMIXX’s Haewon

Taking the top spot with 30 votes is none other than NMIXX member Haewon. The rising star made waves with her appearance in the second season of the popular variety show Work-Dol, so her becoming one of the main personalities to watch is not shocking. Haewon has also had multiple meme moments go viral and become iconic last year!

Haewon being done with workdol is sad but shes done so much🥲🥲

Created a viral trend
Got all her members to appear
Opened up new variety opportunities for herself
Kept viewership high
Took over korea

GOOD JOB HAEWON❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/t8scm2M1Ds

— Aqua🦋 (@NMXXED) September 5, 2024

Fans and professionals alike have praised her for her versatility, leadership, and ability to adapt to any situation. Haewon’s upcoming role as the MC for Work Idol Season 3 is already generating excitement, with insiders predicting her breakout moment in mainstream variety shows.

2 . IVE’s Yujin

With 22 votes, IVE’s An Yujin takes second place. Known for her bubbly energy and authenticity, she impressed audiences with her performance in the popular mafia game show Crime Scene Returns and many other variety appearances. Not to mention the number of brand deals that continue to thrust the IVE star into the spotlight.

DalDal Hana is expected to surpass 500,000 new accounts after its launch in August 2024#ANYUJIN as Hana Financial Group's model, has personally participated in the planning & storyboarding of the video campaign, as well as opening pop-up store in Seongsu, to promote the brand. pic.twitter.com/Uc51TVDLzW

— AN YUJIN GLOBAL (@ANYUJIN_GLOBAL) January 2, 2025

Yujin’s ability to balance humor and intensity, particularly in mystery-themed shows, has solidified her status as a rising star. Her chemistry with co-hosts and her knack for engaging storytelling make her a fan favorite.

3. Actress Ji Ye Eun

Ji Ye Eun, who garnered 15 votes, has quickly transitioned from guest appearances to a full-fledged variety star. Her addition to Running Man as a permanent member brought fresh energy to the show. Ji’s straightforward personality, combined with her ability to create memorable moments, has made her a standout performer.

4. aespa’s Karina

Rounding out the list with 12 votes is Karina from aespa. Despite being new to variety shows, she’s already left a strong impression with her sharp instincts and creative problem-solving in programs like Synchro You.

Her approachable and genuine personality has won her many fans, and many are eager to see her take on more variety opportunities in 2025.