K-pop Girl group IVE has cemented their status as the year’s dominant force in weekly music competitions, securing an unprecedented 20 trophies across South Korea’s major broadcast music shows, according to year-end data compiled by KOREAN SALES. The group’s record-breaking run outpaces all peers, redefining success metrics for girl groups and highlighting the genre’s dynamic blend of established acts and emerging talent.
IVE’s historic tally was built on three blockbuster releases that dominated airwaves and voting platforms throughout 2025. Their flagship comeback REBEL HEART led the charge with 11 wins across The Show, Show Champion, M Countdown, Music Bank, Show! Music Core, and Inkigayo – marking the highest single-album win total for any act this year. The project’s anthemic sound and thematic depth resonated with global audiences, driving consistent support across both domestic and international voting segments.
Following closely, their mid-year release ATTITUDE added four trophies to the count, showcasing the group’s versatility with a more experimental production style. Closing out the year, XOXZ delivered five additional wins, capping a 12-month stretch where IVE held a presence on weekly winner boards for over 30 weeks.
The feat edges past aespa’s 2024 girl group record of 14 wins, a benchmark that now stands tied between aespa and veteran artist G-DRAGON – who returned to the spotlight this year after a seven-year hiatus with a career-defining comeback that earned 14 trophies. G-DRAGON’s resurgence underscored the enduring power of established acts, with his new material blending classic hip-hop roots with modern K-pop production to capture both long-time fans and a new generation of listeners.
Beyond the top tiers, 2025’s music show standings reflect a robust and varied K-pop landscape. NMIXX claimed fourth place with 12 wins, solidifying their position as one of the genre’s most reliable rising acts with a string of high-energy releases that emphasized vocal performance and choreographic innovation.
Global phenomenon BLACKPINK tallied 10 wins, with their limited 2025 activity focused on a special anniversary project that reminded audiences of their lasting impact on K-pop’s global reach. The group’s ability to secure consistent wins despite minimal promotional cycles highlights the strength of their dedicated fanbase and cross-cultural appeal.
Notably, rookie group AHOF – hailing from a smaller independent label – celebrated six wins throughout the year, proving that breakthrough success is no longer exclusive to major entertainment companies. Their win streak, driven by a viral debut single and strategic social media engagement, signals a shift toward greater accessibility and opportunity within the industry’s competitive ecosystem.
Industry analysts note that IVE’s 20-win milestone is more than a numerical achievement – it reflects evolving fan engagement models, where digital streaming, social media advocacy, and global voting participation play increasingly critical roles in weekly competition outcomes. As music shows continue to serve as a barometer for both commercial success and cultural relevance, the balance between established acts and new talent points to a sustainable and innovative future for K-pop.
With 2025 closing out as a year of record-breaking achievements and diverse breakthroughs, the stage is set for 2026 to bring new competition, creative evolution, and further expansion of K-pop’s global footprint.
Source: Data compiled by KOREAN SALES, covering weekly music show results from January 1 to December 27, 2025.
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