SBS Gayo Daejeon 2025: Full Lineup and Rising Fan Excitement

SBS Gayo Daejeon 2025 unveils a 36-artist lineup.
Featuring top stars, rookies, and special stages.
A festive “Golden Loop” celebration on Christmas night.

SBS Gayo Daejeon has always been one of the most anticipated year-end music festivals. The 2025 edition, titled “Golden Loop,” will take place on December 25, 2025, at the Incheon Inspire Arena and is positioned as a celebration of K-pop’s golden journey throughout the year. Sponsored by Bithumb and led by a cross-generation trio of MCs: Young K (DAY6), Ahn Yujin (IVE), and Jaemin (NCT DREAM), this year’s show promises a futuristic stage experience, special collaborations, and a festive Christmas atmosphere for fans worldwide.

Excitement escalated after the third lineup announcement in late November. Following the first two waves that introduced 24 artists, SBS added 12 more names, bringing the total to 36 groups. Social media immediately lit up with reactions. Fans were thrilled their favorites made the list, others were upset that UNIS was not invited despite coming from an SBS survival show, and some joked about SM Entertainment confirming aespa’s appearance at the last minute again. These small controversies only highlighted how high expectations are for this annual festival.

Complete Lineup: From Seniors to Rookies

The first lineup released on October 21 featured major names such as Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), ENHYPEN, IVE, LE SSERAFIM, BOYNEXTDOOR, ZEROBASEONE, RIIZE, NCT WISH, BABYMONSTER, and ALLDAY PROJECT. The second wave, announced on November 10, added NCT DREAM, THE BOYZ, ATEEZ, ITZY, TREASURE, NMIXX, &TEAM, TWS, ILLIT, Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii, and CORTIS. This list alone already resembled a mini festival filled with boy groups and girl groups that dominated global charts throughout 2025.

The third lineup introduced 12 additional acts: TVXQ’s Yunho, SHINee’s Key, aespa, NEXZ, MEOVV, izna, KickFlip, SKINZ, HITGS, Baby DONT Cry, AHOF, AxMxP, and IDID. Several of them are rising rookies. AHOF is a multinational boy group formed through SBS’s Universe League, consisting of nine members, and debuted on July 1, 2025, with the mini album Who We Are. KickFlip is a JYP boy group from the audition show LOUD, and debuted on January 20, 2025, with the EP Flip It, Kick It!. Hearts2Hearts (H2H) is SM Entertainment’s eight-member girl group who debuted on February 24, 2025, with their single album The Chase. KiiiKiii is a five-member Starship girl group with a Y2K-inspired concept who debuted on March 24, 2025, with their EP Uncut Gem.

Other rookies joining the lineup include NEXZ, a JYP international trainee unit; MEOVV, a girl group from The Black Label who debuted in 2024; izna, a group formed through I-LAND 2 under WAKEONE; SKINZ, a seven-member virtual boy group from Bridge Entertainment; HITGS, a five-member girl group that debuted in April 2025; Baby DONT Cry, a second-generation ballad subunit; AxMxP, a four-member rock band from FNC Entertainment; and IDID, a Starship boy group who debuted in September 2025. Meanwhile, the presence of seniors such as Yunho, Key, and aespa reaffirms that Gayo Daejeon remains a stage where generations unite, with both veterans and rookies sharing the spotlight.

With 36 performers, cross-label collaborations, possible remakes of classic hits, and special medleys planned, the “Golden Loop” theme feels fitting. It is a celebration that loops together the golden moments of 2025 and connects all K-pop generations in one arena. For fans, it is the perfect Christmas gift. For rookies, it is a crucial career milestone on one of Korea’s most prestigious stages.

“The fact that SBS invited AHOF but not their sister group UNIS is absurd. No shade to the boys, love them but UNIS also deserves to be part of the lineup.”

“I hope AHOF will have their full performance this time, not a cut one 🥺.”

“I’m glad that our AHOF is included, another milestone for our boys. Hope everyone can be inspired through their music.”

“Finally! It’s even our maknae’s birthday!”

“KickFlip!!! 🎉”

“They’ll be at the Gayo on Daisuke’s birthday.”

“IDID 🔥”

“AHOF 🏆”

“izna 🤍🎄🎅”

“AHOF!!!! Yayyy!! As they should!! I can sleep in peace now. Something to look forward to on Christmas and our Daisuke’s birthday.”

“How many gayos will happen in December? I’ve seen so many and AHOF is on multiple lineups, so I’m confused how many festivals there actually are 😅.”

“aespa always being announced last for year-end shows makes me wonder if they’re considered a grand reveal or if SM is just late confirming their schedules 😭.”

“What’s funny is the third lineup, how SBS announced all SM artists: aespa, Yunho and Kibum.”

As a whole, Gayo Daejeon 2025 is shaping up to be a Christmas night filled with energy, nostalgia, and standout performances. With legendary seniors and ambitious rookies sharing the same stage, this year’s festival is set to become one of the most memorable finales of K-pop’s dynamic 2025.

Source: Soompi (lineup waves 1–3), Kpopmap (theme, venue, date, MCs), Wikipedia (profiles for AHOF, KickFlip, Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii).