As 2025 draws to a close, the world of K-pop is once again making global headlines, with BTS and the animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" at the very heart of this year’s pop culture conversation. Billboard’s year-end roundup, published on December 19, 2025, didn’t just highlight these phenomena—it underscored the sheer scale of K-pop’s influence, placing both the BTS reunion and the Netflix animated blockbuster among the most defining moments of the year.
It’s hard to overstate the frenzy that has surrounded BTS’s long-awaited full-group reunion. After a hiatus prompted by South Korea’s mandatory military service requirement, all seven members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—completed their service, with Suga being the last to be discharged on June 21, 2025. Fans had been counting down the days, and when BTS finally gathered for a livestream on Weverse in July, it was as if the world stopped for a moment. According to Billboard, this reunion was “an emblematic snapshot of the year’s pop culture,” putting it on par with other major moments like Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show and Taylor Swift’s much-publicized wedding.
During this widely viewed livestream, the group didn’t just reminisce—they looked forward. As reported by Bloomberg and SBS Entertainment News, BTS is set to release new music in spring 2026 and has plans for a massive world tour, including stops in North America. The anticipation is palpable, with the group promising fans that "2026 is going to be BTS’ year. Something big is coming. It’ll be an important one." Their last performance together dates back to October 2022, making this comeback all the more significant for their global fanbase, known as ARMY.
BTS’s return isn’t the only K-pop story dominating headlines. Netflix’s "KPop Demon Hunters," directed by Korean Canadian filmmaker Maggie Kang, has been nothing short of a sensation. The animated film, released in June 2025, features original songs by the fictional groups HUNTR/X and Saja Boys, with the track "Golden" taking over the charts. The song not only topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks but also held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Global 200 for a staggering 18 weeks. Its success didn’t stop there—"Golden" earned a historic Grammy nomination for Song of the Year and propelled the film to become Netflix’s most-streamed film of all time. With Oscar buzz swirling, "KPop Demon Hunters" is a likely contender for Best Animated Feature, further cementing K-pop’s global reach and influence.
Billboard’s roundup placed "KPop Demon Hunters" alongside a slew of U.S.-centric pop culture moments, but its inclusion is a clear nod to the genre’s international impact. The outlet described the film as having “absolutely [taken] over” with its music, a testament to the way K-pop continues to break boundaries and capture new audiences around the world.
While the group’s collective achievements have made headlines, individual members have also been in the spotlight. J-Hope, in particular, saw solo success with his June 2025 single "Killin’ It Girl (feat. GloRilla)," which Billboard ranked No. 24 on its list of the 25 Best K-Pop Songs of the Year. Billboard praised the song’s “confident creative choices and high-gloss production,” noting that J-Hope’s signature flow and GloRilla’s dynamic feature created an “addictive hook.” The single debuted at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking J-Hope’s highest solo peak to date and further fueling excitement for BTS’s group comeback.
But while the professional achievements have been dazzling, not all recent news has been celebratory. Jungkook, the youngest BTS member, has faced a string of unsettling incidents involving break-in attempts at his residence. According to reports by Dispatch and Filmfare, on December 16, 2025, a Japanese woman in her late 50s was detained under the Anti-Stalking Act after attempting to break into Jungkook’s home. This was her third attempt this year, with previous incidents occurring on November 12 and 13, where she tried to hack into his locking mechanism. Earlier in 2025, a Chinese woman and a Korean woman also tried to trespass—one by pressing random combinations on his door lock, the other by trying to enter through the parking lot. Authorities responded swiftly: the Chinese woman received a suspension of indictment, while the Korean woman awaits trial. The Seoul Yongsan Police Station continues to handle the ongoing investigations, highlighting the unique pressures and risks faced by global superstars.
Despite these personal challenges, Jungkook remains focused on the group’s comeback. Sources confirm that the recording for BTS’s new album is nearly complete, with the production process in its final stages. The group’s message to fans is clear: "something big" is coming in 2026, and expectations couldn’t be higher.
Meanwhile, BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung) recently offered fans a glimpse of his everyday life—and a heartwarming moment—during a brief Weverse livestream on December 22, 2025. The session lasted just a minute and a half, but it was enough for V to share a story that quickly charmed ARMY worldwide. He recounted how, while taking a taxi home, the driver surprised him with a Christmas present: Turkish chocolates. “The taxi driver was like ‘this is a surprise gift!!’ and was like ‘Christmas gift!!’ and ‘Turkish chocolate!!’ and gave me these Turkish chocolates!” V exclaimed, expressing his gratitude and delight. He showed off the chocolates to fans, saying, “so I was like ‘thank you! really?! thank you so much!’ and took these.” It was a small gesture, but one that resonated with fans and underscored the genuine connections that can form between idols and the public.
V, too, is hard at work preparing for the group’s upcoming album, scheduled for release in spring 2026. The sense of anticipation among both the members and their fans is unmistakable, with each update fueling excitement for what promises to be a landmark year in BTS’s already storied career.
Looking back, 2025 has been a year of milestones, challenges, and triumphs for BTS and the broader K-pop industry. From chart-topping hits and record-breaking films to personal trials and moments of unexpected kindness, the stories of BTS and "KPop Demon Hunters" reflect the ever-expanding influence of Korean pop culture on the world stage. As fans and industry watchers alike await the group’s next moves, one thing is certain: the global K-pop wave shows no signs of slowing down.
