Last year, Music Bank’s Global Festival was interwoven into KBS’s year-end festival. This year, they’ve chosen to broadcast it separately but I thought I’d cover it anyway because (like last year) parts of it were stronger than many of the proper year-end stages.
This year’s theme was “The Golden Path” and the show was held in the Tokyo National Stadium. This size of venue enhances things greatly from a visual standpoint. I love watching filmed versions of shows in large venues because the crowd energy becomes such a big part of the experience. I wonder if it’s as fun in person? I mean, can the faraway seats even see anything?
Like last year’s show, there were plentiful shots of audience members going crazy for the performances, which I actually find quite charming because it’s nice to sense that exchange of energy between audience and performer. That’s what K-pop’s weekly music shows are missing, honestly. I know fans want close-ups of their idols’ faces 100% of the time but there’s more to a performance than that. Energy is so important.
One thing that made this year’s show unique was the addition of mega-popular J-pop act Snow Man. Sadly, they didn’t perform their best material (except for W), but as a longtime fan it was still a surreal feeling to see them wedged between K-pop acts. Unfortunately, KBS hasn’t uploaded videos to YouTube, but the contrast between their songs and all the K-pop surrounding them was quite funny.
As always, this ranking represents my own thoughts, meaning it will heavily favor music I enjoyed this year as well as performances that re-arrange or remix existing songs.
11. izna – Pretty Girl
They picked good (if obvious) songs for their cover stages this year. Kara was an especially smart choice for Japan. It’s always nice to hear a Sweetune song in 2025.
10. ATEEZ – Blind + In Your Fantasy
This had very funny staging. They always bring the drama. I’m not familiar with Blind and didn’t think much of it, but I’m glad they keep giving In Your Fantasy its due on these year-end stages.
9. NMIXX – Spinnin’ On It + Blue Valentine
I feel like NMIXX continue to be haunted by mic issues which make parts of their year-end performances hard to hear. However, I liked the “winter” mix of Blue Valentine. It’s not really a song that benefits from remixes, but this felt more like a modest enhancement in places.
8. IVE – Rebel Heart + Dear, My Feelings + Attitude
I still have my issues with Rebel Heart (it feels like it should be on K-pop Demon Hunters), but it sounds good in a stadium. Following that, all the walking to (and on) (and around) the stage was kind of refreshing counter-programming to all the night’s highly choreographed routines. Sometimes fierce stomping suffices.
7. KiiiKiii – I Do Me
This mix should have been the official version of the song. It’s not remarkably different, but it has a more specific perspective and I like the added electronic elements – particularly the dance break.
6. Hearts2Hearts – Genie
Ah, Hearts2Hearts covering the kind of music they should have debuted with. Seriously, SM, give them a song like this.
5. KickFlip – My First Love Song
As far as the new mix goes, I think I appreciate what they were trying to do more than the sound of the final product, but this was an interesting reinvention. More importantly, I thought the performance itself was great. I loved the added dance break.
4. ZEROBASEONE – Devil Game – Iconik
I don’t have much love for Iconik, but I ADORE Devil Game and the dance transition between songs was awesome.
3. NEXZ + TWS – Hit & Lalalala Dance Battle
Well, these two groups had a very good night and they maximized their joint slay here. This was pretty impressive.
2. NEXZ – Beat-Boxer
This was awesome! You all know I love a rock remix, and THIS is how to do a rock remix! So much energy for a song that can totally handle it. I need a studio version.
1. TWS – Overdrive + Countdown
No fancy rearrangements here, sadly. Just two of the year’s best songs performed with live vocals and a ton of energy. Seriously, I need to see more people on the internet raving about how talented this group is. So many K-pop acts feel almost constrained by their choreo and formations. TWS bring things to life in a way that’s not just posing and posturing and shouting. A performance like this is simply a delight to watch – especially in such a big venue.