The Greatest Okay-Pop Controversies of 2025: NewJeans, BTS & Extra

K-pop in 2025 was definitely not without drama — and honestly? It feels like the industry has never been more controversial or scrutinized. This year was packed with just about everything: major agency disputes that shook the industry, headline-making legal scandals involving top stars like Kim Soo-hyun, and intense backlash over cultural and political missteps that sparked global conversations. Add in the long-awaited full return of BTS — instantly shifting the entire landscape — and it’s safe to say 2025 didn’t give fans a moment to rest.

So, what were some of the biggest stories in K-pop this year? Scroll through our gallery below to break it down: