2025’s “Singer of The Year” Chosen, According To Industry Experts

Looking back at 2025, K-Pop experts—including CEOs and senior executives from major entertainment companies in Korea—voted G-Dragon of BIGBANG as “Singer of the Year,” recognizing him as the most influential figure in the industry.

Conducted by News1, the survey tallied results from 34 industry professionals. G-Dragon received 11 out of 34 votes, earning the SOTY title. News1 highlighted G-Dragon’s accomplishments from 2025, including his “Übermensch World Tour” that began in March and the “Ok Gwan Order of Cultural Merit” that he received in October.

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This year, G-Dragon expanded his presence through simultaneous achievements spanning music, performances, exhibitions, and official honors…

…For G-Dragon, 2025 was a year in which a full album, a world tour, government honors, and year-end awards accumulated in succession. One industry insider who voted for him commented, ‘Despite the long hiatus, he stood out unmistakably not only in music, but also in fashion, trends, and cultural impact.’ Another added, ‘He was active across music, performance, fashion, and even AI. Capping the year with concerts, he proved once again why he is the best singer.’

— News1

Just one vote behind G-Dragon, Stray Kids placed second in the survey. One of the surveyed experts noted, “By successfully completing the largest-scale world tour since their debut, they clearly demonstrated global ticket power by filling major arenas across key cities worldwide.” 

Third place went to BLACKPINK‘s Rosé with a total of three votes. Her “worldwide hits” and “global influence” from “solo and group activities” were highlighted.

In addition, HUNTR/X with 2 votes, along with BLACKPINK, BIBI, DAY6, IVE, IU, aespa, BTS‘s Jungkook, and KATSEYE with one vote each were also mentioned as 2025’s “Singer of the Year.”