The K-pop phenomenon continues to solidify its place in the global music industry, not only through its widely popular groups but also through solo acts that now rival the biggest stars in the West. In the latest indication of this overwhelming success, Jisoo of BLACKPINK break records, with her single "Eyes Closed" breaking into the top five of Billboard's LyricFind World Chart
The dominance of solo acts in 2025
Jisoo's achievement was not an isolated event, but rather part of a Korean surge on the 2025 global charts, indicating a qualitative shift in the preferences of the global audience, which is now eagerly seeking lyrics from Korean solo artists. The charts also featured a strong presence from several prominent names:
- Felix 's "ReawakeR" came in sixth place alongside Jennie
- The song "Golden," a collaboration between AJ, Audrey Nonna and Ree Ami (from the soundtrack of the Netflix series KDH), took eighth place.
- The star Lisa a strong double appearance, as her song "Priceless" came in ninth place (tied with the song "Apocalypse" by the singer Bebe), while her other song "Born Again" came in tenth place.
LyricFind chart meanings and impact
The LyricFind global chart is considered one of the most reliable indicators of audience interest, as it not only measures the number of listens but also the number of searches for song lyrics and their translations worldwide. The large number of K-pop songs at the top of the charts reflects the international audience's desire to understand and deeply engage with the songs, transcending language barriers—a key pillar in sustaining the Korean Wave (Hallyu).
In the remaining spots, the Korean momentum continued, with Kai and Jennie's "Seoul City" tied for 13th place. Suzy's "Waiting On A Wish" followed closely at 14th, while J-Hope the list at 15th with "Killin' It Girl."
The era of individual stardom in K-pop
This ranking reflects a strategic shift in the Korean music industry. After years of group dominance, members of groups like BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, EXO, and BTS have proven they possess strong personal brands capable of competing globally as individuals. This trend is bolstering the Korean creative economy and opening up new markets, as each artist now has their own unique musical style that appeals to diverse audiences worldwide, ensuring K-pop's continued dominance of the music scene for years to come.
