As the curtains close on this year’s Coachella festival, it’s the ideal time to take a look back at the standout moments from Coachella 2025, with a special focus on K-Pop artists who have carved their unique path on the festival’s stages over the past five years. Notably, this year saw prominent K-Pop stars like JENNIE and LISA from BLACKPINK grace the Sahara Stage each night. BLACKPINK made history by being the first K-Pop girl group invited in 2019 and became the first Korean act to headline in 2023.
Numerous talented Korean artists have left their mark at Coachella over the years. EPIK HIGH, a celebrated hip-hop trio, initiated the trend by being the first Korean act to perform at the festival back in 2016. Furthermore, 88rising, a notable production company showcasing Asian talent globally, has hosted various showcases in 2022 and 2024, featuring brief sets from acts like aespa, BIBI, and CL. This year also saw XG, a globally recognized girl group primarily promoting in South Korea, take the stage. For clarity, this list specifically highlights artists categorized as K-Pop who were explicitly included in the festival’s official lineup.
After diligently watching each K-Pop act perform during Weekend One, I explored past performances from 2019 to 2024, many of which were new to me, and organized them based on several key factors. My notes focused on stage presence, stamina, and the ability to engage the audience, all critical aspects that shaped the ranking provided below.
8 JENNIE of BLACKPINK
Coachella 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ry2yHEZqZwhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ry2yHEZqZw
As the lights faded for JENNIE’s highly anticipated solo debut at Coachella, the audience was welcomed by the resonant words of Shakespeare: “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”Accompanied by an incredible band and a skilled group of dancers, JENNIE introduced the audience to “The Ruby Experience.”
To be candid, I found myself somewhat disappointed by this set. Having eagerly awaited her solo showcase following my obsession with her debut album, Ruby, I felt it lacked the energetic flair her music deserves. Several transitions and remixes mirrored her Ruby Experience shows, undermining the sense of specialness typically present in a Coachella debut. While her performances of tracks like “ZEN”and “F.T.S.”showcased stronger moments, overall, her energy didn’t resonate until the concluding song, “Starlight,”where she finally seemed at ease.
It’s common for performers, particularly K-Pop artists, to significantly improve their energy levels in the second weekend. However, this lack of vibrancy has been a recurring theme noted by fans and observers in her solo performances and BLACKPINK’s recent shows. Though I maintain that JENNIE is an essential member of BLACKPINK and a commendable solo artist, the connectivity that is crucial for a successful performance was notably missing until the very end.
7 LE SSERAFIM
Coachella 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkEfGofiJuohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkEfGofiJuo
The announcement of LE SSERAFIM for Coachella 2024 sparked intense speculation regarding their readiness. Unlike their HYBE counterparts, ENHYPEN and TXT, this girl group had not yet conducted a world tour, making their appearance at such a prestigious festival feel premature. Their reputation for striking choreography is matched only by criticisms of their live vocal performances.
Reflecting on the backlash they faced last year, I felt that this year’s performance was better than I originally remembered. My primary concern was the order of their setlist. Opening with “ANTIFRAGILE,”widely regarded as their best track, risked a peak too early into their set filled with high-energy choreography. By the conclusion of their 40-minute performance, the exhaustion was palpable, especially in some members, apart from Yunjin, signaling a need for better setlist management during rehearsals.
Any enhancements noted during the second weekend were overshadowed by the unpreparedness that marked their first outing. A strategic substitution of “EASY”for the opener would have seamlessly blended better with the introduction, allowing them to conserve energy for the show’s climax rather than exerting all their strength at the outset.
6 BLACKPINK
Coachella 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5gUds01aXYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5gUds01aXY
Just one week after the release of their KILL THIS LOVE EP and ahead of their world tour, BLACKPINK electrified the Sahara Stage at Coachella in 2019. The enthusiasm they brought was infectious, maintaining high energy throughout. The group’s cohesive force is undeniable, solidifying their status as pioneers for K-Pop girl acts in the festival’s history.
ROSÉ immediately captivated me; her vibrant energy fostered excellent crowd interactions and impressive vocal stability. JENNIE’s solo act that day was in stark contrast to her 2025 show and perfectly exemplified her role as one of the main dancers within the group. Their discography seems crafted for music festivals, with catchy choruses and lyrics that inspire audience participation. Overall, I fondly remember this exhilarating performance as I anticipated their headlining debut.
5 ENHYPEN
Coachella 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDFajekExFchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDFajekExFc
In my view, ENHYPEN boasts one of the finest discographies within K-Pop’s fourth generation, alongside remarkable performance capabilities. Last weekend, they commanded the Sahara Stage right from the start with “Blockbuster,”a 2021 B-side that set the tone perfectly. This group’s extensive touring experience made a 40-minute set feel effortless for them. Similar to BLACKPINK, ENHYPEN maintained high energy levels collectively, although individual members naturally shone.
Heeseung’s vocal abilities consistently impress, while Jay adeptly complements their rock-infused tracks. Ni-ki emerged as a standout during the set, excelling in choreography, vocals, and energy. The Coachella rendition of “XO (Only If You Say Yes)”was a highlight, and concluding with “Brought The Heat Back”aligned with my expectations. My only feedback would be a desire for more audience interaction and personal moments.
4 BLACKPINK
Coachella 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9tifvQSu-ghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9tifvQSu-g
When BLACKPINK returned to Coachella as the first Korean headliners in 2023, they didn’t hold back. Transitioning from the Sahara Stage to the Main Stage allowed them to incorporate more dancers, utilize additional stages like a catwalk, and attract an even larger crowd, which they handled with remarkable skill. The progression from their 2019 set was evident, particularly in the introduction and opening numbers. They dove straight into their hits, infusing their headlining performance with vibrant energy.
Every member showcased a solo act, complete with distinctive outfits and themes tailored to their tracks. LISA and ROSÉ’s individual performances were particularly captivating, feeling nearly like solo concerts, and highlighted the group’s vocal talents across genres. Although the intimacy of 2019’s performance was appealing, it’s clear that BLACKPINK undeniably earned their prestigious Main Stage slot in 2023.
3 LISA of BLACKPINK
Coachella 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOzoIG6T7_ohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOzoIG6T7_o
My perspective on LISA has dramatically shifted; from not considering myself a BLACKPINK fan a year prior, her Coachella debut left a deep impression. The entrance befitted a pop icon and global superstar. Initially, I anticipated a consistent futuristic theme throughout her performance. However, the clever transition into distinct sections for her alter egos made the concept come alive.
Upon the release of LISA’s debut album, Alter Ego, I was initially perplexed by its diversity. Yet, structuring her Coachella performance around those alter egos allowed her to showcase her talent and versatility. LISA effortlessly embraced each character, captivating the audience with her intoxicating stage presence. Perhaps I misjudged her artistry or simply found myself enchanted by her performance.
2 Jackson Wang
Coachella 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VlZuJ9l_pAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VlZuJ9l_pA
Some may question the rationale behind my list; it seems I am among the few who have experienced Jackson Wang’s complete Coachella set—an instance that feels dramatically underrated two years later. As a casual listener of GOT7, I find enjoyment in Wang’s solo project, Magic Man. He transformed his Coachella performance into a grand theatrical spectacle.
Featuring impeccable styling, masterful illusions, and an ensemble of exceptional dancers, Wang was deeply engaged with the audience while embracing his performer role. During the first weekend, he invited Ciara to join him, allowing her to present a mini-set that amplified the audience’s excitement. Undoubtedly, Jackson Wang remains one of the most underrated dancers and artists emerging from the K-Pop landscape.
1 ATEEZ
Coachella 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty-sjl2XdZohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty-sjl2XdZo
ATEEZ has cemented its reputation as a performance powerhouse, and their Coachella 2024 showcase remains a prime example of K-Pop’s expert execution when performed flawlessly. The eight-member boy band has been on a remarkable ascent since the release of their full-length album THE WORLD EP. FIN: WILL, which debuted at the top of the US Billboard 200, making their Coachella invitation a crowning achievement.
They ignited the stage from the onset with “Say My Name,”known for its iconic choreography. Each member had a moment to shine, especially Jongho, whose vocal prowess during “WONDERLAND”was astonishing as he hit his signature high notes following an intense 40-minute set. The live band further enhanced revamped arrangements of songs like “Crazy Form”and “Guerrilla,”and their performance of “ARRIBA”stood out as one of the night’s highlights.
“I think the first time we came to LA was about six years ago. We were practicing like crazy in a tiny little studio to get a chance to debut. They say to dream big, but I don’t think I have ever imagined being here at Coachella.”
– Hongjoong
Hongjoong’s heartfelt reflection to the crowd during both weekends beautifully encapsulated the significance of their performance at a festival that has often overlooked K-Pop artists. If his words didn’t resonate, then surely Seonghwa’s spontaneous cheer of triumph at the conclusion of “WONDERLAND” during the second weekend highlighted just how meaningful this opportunity was for the group.