Is K-pop's Dream Fading at Home? Data Reveals Why Korean Youth Are Losing Interest
While K-pop continues to dominate worldwide stages, signs of
domestic fatigue
are becoming clear in Korea's home market. According to the Circle Chart 2025 Mid-Year Report, consumption of K-pop's top 400 digital tracks dropped by 6.4% compared to last year, and by a staggering 49.7% since 2019-the peak year.
Physical album sales, a vital indicator of fan dedication, also fell by 9% year-on-year, reaching 42.4 million units sold, down from 46.7 million in 2024.
Albums crossing the 1 million sales mark fell from 9 to 7, while no album surpassed 3 million copies this year, unlike last year when Seventeen notably achieved this feat. These figures are reinforced by data from the Korea Music Content Association and Circle Chart, highlighting a clear domestic slowdown.
Dwindling Rookie Girl Groups: Where's the Fresh Spark Gone?
Previously, rookie girl groups injected energy and buzz into the K-pop scene, often dominating the charts. However, the 2025 mid-year data shows a stark drop in new group appearances. Only aespa, Ive, and NewJeans secured spots in the top 10 girl groups, compared to five in 2024.
Data analyst Kim Jin-woo of Circle Chart explains, "The rookie girl group presence sharply declined. The shift toward English-heavy songs and similar-sounding beats to appeal globally has dulled the unique appeal that domestic audiences cherished."
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius.
Enence 2.0
Undo
This trend reflects labels prioritizing international recognition, although it risks disengaging core local fans.
Solo Artists Rising: Changing the K-pop Landscape
Another significant trend is the rise of solo artists dominating charts traditionally ruled by groups. In the current top 10 digital rankings, 7 are solo performers, including Woodz ("Drowning"), Hwang Garam ("I Am a Firefly"), and Jo Jazz ("Don't You Know"). These soloists may lack massive global tours but connect deeply with domestic listeners.
Music critic Lim Hee-yun notes, "Fans increasingly seek authenticity, relatable content, and direct communication, which solo artists deliver effectively through social media." This shift indicates a change from fanclub-driven group mania to more individualistic music consumption.
Shifting Fan Culture: What's Behind the Domestic Decline?
Why is Korean youth losing enthusiasm for K-pop? Experts point to concept repetition, a surge in English lyrics, and a saturated market with fewer standout newcomers as key reasons. These factors contribute to declining concert attendance, lower merchandise sales, and shrinking hardcore fandoms.
Nonetheless, the industry remains optimistic due to K-pop's growing global footprint, especially in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. However, sustaining strong domestic support remains crucial for long-term stability.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
6 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Not Jungkook or V, this BTS star alone powered HYBE's 85% North American revenue boost in Q1 2025
All seven BTS members reunited in June 2025 after wrapping up their mandatory military service. With each member now focused on solo careers, HYBE has been raking in profits from individual projects too, reporting a massive 133.25 billion KRW in Q1 2025 alone. Surprisingly though, this time the surge wasn't driven by names like like Kim Taehyung or Jeon Jungkook, who usually enjoy massive solo fandom in the West. It was J-Hope who stole the spotlight, his sold-out concerts pushing his popularity through the roof. J-Hope aka Jung Hoseok, the rapper of the seven member boy band, recently wrapped up his first world tour HOPE ON THE STAGE. According to Meritz Securities, his concerts played a huge role in helping HYBE record a massive 85.7% revenue jump in North America in the first quarter of 2025. According to a July 28 report, HYBE earned 133.25 billion KRW (about $102 million) during this period, one of the company's biggest quarterly spikes in recent years. Also read: 'Kim Taehyung makes me feel I can't afford…': BLACKPINK's choreographer reveals how working with BTS' V changed her J-Hope returned from the military on October 17, 2024, and since then has been actively belting out new songs and albums to boost his individual discography. The tour started in April 2025, with J-Hope performing across Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Mexico City, among other venues. He reportedly pulled in over 178,000 fans across 12 sold-out shows. His musical setlist includes a mix of his old and new songs, alongside some of BTS' hits. The 31-year-old had released his solo album back in 2022 titled Jack in the Box, with lead tracks like 'Arson' and 'More'. In the meantime, he also collaborated with J. Cole for 'On the Street'. After returning from the military, he released 'Mona Lisa,' which was previewed during his tour, and more recently 'Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel),' with both songs part of his Hope on the Street Vol.1 album. Reports said ticket sales were strong in every city, proving that BTS fandom remains loyal no matter who is performing. Last year, SUGA (aka Min Yoongi) also pulled record-breaking numbers, and J-Hope just kept the momentum going. Also read: Police raids BTS' agency: What happens to group's comeback if HYBE boss Bang Si Hyuk lands in prison? Aside from ticket sales, merchandise sale also skyrocketed during this time. Analysts said around 22% of concertgoers bought merch, spending about $60 per person on average. The final concert took place on June 14 at Goyang Stadium in South Korea. The night marked the 12th anniversary of BTS and all seven members showed up to support J-Hope. During the performance, Jin and Jungkook even joined him onstage to perform 'Jamais Vu'. According to Luminate data, K-pop fever isn't dying down anytime soon, if anything, it's just getting hotter. K-pop groups like Stray Kids, ENHYPEN, ATEEZ, SEVENTEEN, and LE SSERAFIM all landed in the Top 10 U.S. CD Albums list for the first half of the year. Stray Kids' album HOP alone sold 149,000 copies in the U.S. SEVENTEEN, on the other hand, managed to outsell big names like Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and more. As for BTS, the group is set to make their much-awaited comeback next spring.
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
NCT WISH member gets yelled at by fan during a meet-and-greet: Sparks mixed debate online - Here's what happened
NCT WISH, a sub-unit of the popular K-pop group NCT, recently held a fan meeting with fans in order to interact with many of them on a one-on-one basis. While the event was going smoothly, a fan suddenly yelled at one of the members after he asked a question to the idol beside him. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now NCT WISH Sion yelled at by fans A video from the rookie group's latest fan meeting event has been going viral. In the video, when one of the members, Sakuya, was interacting and talking with a fan, his fellow bandmate leaned over to ask him a question. Sion wanted to ask Sakuya how to say the phrase 'be strong' in Japanese; however, before the latter could even reply, the fan who was sitting in front of Sakuya ended up yelling out 'Why are you talking to him?' in front of everyone, shocking both of the idols. The video, since it was shared online, has managed to amass a lot of views, with many people sharing their opinions about the matter. Fans react to the video Fans and netizens started sharing their reactions online from the moment the video went viral. While some fans called Sion out for interrupting his fellow member when he was interacting with a fan, many others defended him, saying that it was not a big deal. Some even commented against the fan who spoke out, saying that their behaviour in front of the group members was disrespectful and unacceptable. One comment read, 'Do you guys know how precious these few seconds are? It's really annoying when it gets interrupted. And the staff in the back are probably doing important simultaneous interpretation, and they definitely don't speak Japanese. This question is definitely for Sakuya. Please figure out where this signing event is being held', while another read, 'Where did [Sion] learn such a*s manners—talking to the member next to him who's in the middle of a one-on-one fan meeting?'
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Delnaaz Irani on Friendship: My bonds aren't seasonal, they're for life
As Friendship Day approaches, actress Delnaaz Irani opens up about what the occasion means to her—and it's not about cards or planned celebrations. For Delnaaz, real friendships are lived and nurtured every day. 'I don't really celebrate Friendship Day in the traditional sense,' she shares. 'But if my friends and I plan to meet, that's always lovely. Personally, I believe every day should be dedicated to those who are close to your heart.' Having spent over three decades in the entertainment industry, Delnaaz has built bonds that have weathered time, fame, and change. 'I've had some incredible friends in the industry—bonds that go back to my theatre days and TV shows from the '90s. We still have those WhatsApp groups, we still meet, we still laugh like old times,' she says, adding, 'It's a myth that actors can't be friends. I've been lucky to have friends who are now like family. ' As life has evolved, so have her catch-ups. 'Earlier, it was about parties and getaways. Now it's cozy dinners, coffee catch-ups, or just chatting at home. I cherish the simplicity of being present, being real,' she reflects. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo But it's not just industry friendships she values. Delnaaz remains closely connected with school and college friends too. 'Of course, everyone's busy now—some are married, some have grandkids! But we stay in touch, laugh over silly things, and pick up right where we left off,' she says. For Delnaaz, friendships aren't passing phases. 'My friends aren't temporary or seasonal. They're permanent. I don't believe in surface-level friendships. When I call someone a friend, it's for life,' she smiles. Her story is a warm reminder that real connections don't need a day—they just need intention, honesty, and a little effort to last a lifetime.
