In a remarkable initiative, a collective of editors and music reviewers has curated a definitive list showcasing 25 influential South Korean musicians who have made an indelible mark on the nation’s music landscape over the past twenty years. This compilation, aptly named ’25 Musicians to Shine in the First 25 Years of the 21st Century’, was unveiled by the IZM Neo Music Community on March 25, 2025. The list features artists spanning generations from first-generation idols to the modern third-generation K-pop sensations, each having achieved significant commercial success and global recognition.
The roster includes a diverse array of K-pop solo acts and groups such as Lee Hyo-ri, IU, Girls’ Generation, BTS, TWICE, and BLACKPINK, alongside esteemed musical units like Epik High and Dynamic Duo, signifying a rich tapestry of talent and cultural influence.
Featured K-pop Stars in the ’25 Musicians’ List
The highlighted artists in IZM’s prestigious list are:
- Kim Beom-soo
- Park Hyo-shin
- BoA
- Psy
- Yoon Do-hyun
- The band Jaurim
- Crying Nut
- Lee Hyo-ri
- Epik High
- TVXQ
- Dynamic Duo
- Big Bang
- Wonder Girls
- Girls’ Generation (SNSD)
- Yoon Ha
- Tooniverse
- IU
- BTS
- Beenzino
- AKMU (Akdong Musician)
- Jang Beom-jun
- Jannabi
- Zico
- TWICE
- BLACKPINK
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Notably, artists like BTS and BLACKPINK have transcended borders, establishing themselves as global powerhouses in the music industry. From Psy’s groundbreaking hit Gangnam Style to BTS’s historic GRAMMY nominations, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa marking her place at the Academy Awards, K-pop stars have asserted their influence on the international music scene.
Looking ahead, BLACKPINK is scheduled to reunite for a highly anticipated world tour in July 2025, while BTS remains on a temporary hiatus due to military obligations among its members. Meanwhile, IU is captivating audiences with her latest performance in the Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, and TWICE is set to headline on Day 3 of Lollapalooza Chicago this year. Additionally, G-Dragon of Big Bang has made waves with the release of his third full-length album, Übermensch, and is preparing for an upcoming world concert tour.
The list was meticulously curated by a group of passionate industry professionals including Kim Du-wan, Kim Ban-ya, Kim Tae-hoon, and many others, showcasing their commitment to honoring the talent and legacy of K-pop. This assembly of expertise brings credibility to the selection process, further highlighting the significance of these artists in shaping the music industry.
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