Top Idol Group Debuts on MelOn’s Daily Chart in Early 2025

The first half of 2025 saw some impressive returns from South Korea’s top idol groups, with several new releases making waves on Melon, the country’s main music streaming platform. Known for capturing real-time public interest and streaming trends, Melon remains a solid benchmark to see which songs are resonating the most at home.

Among the highest debuts on the MelOn Daily Chart this year, aespa took the top spot for any idol group with their comeback track “Dirty Work.” Dropping at #5, the SM girl group proved once again why they’re one of the biggest names among fourth-generation acts. The anticipation around this release was sky-high, and the chart position shows fans are still very much hooked on their sound.

Following aespa, IVE came in at #27 with “REBEL HEART.” Even though the song’s initial rank was a bit lower, it didn’t take long for the track to gain traction. Known for striking the perfect balance between sleek elegance and a rebellious edge, IVE’s latest offering continued to solidify their strong presence among current girl groups.

In the boy group category, RIIZE from SM Entertainment stood out with “Fly Up,” which debuted at #30—the highest among male idol groups so far this year. As a prominent fifth-generation group, RIIZE seems to be making a big splash right out of the gate, holding firm in an increasingly competitive K-pop scene.

Close behind was SEVENTEEN with their single “THUNDER,” debuting at #31 in connection with their special album ‘Happy Burstday,’ released to celebrate their 10th anniversary this past May. Even after a decade, SEVENTEEN continue to evolve musically and deliver quality tracks that land well with fans and critics alike.

Finally, drawing attention with a very different concept is the virtual idol group PLAVE. Their track “DASH,” from their third mini album ‘Caligo Pt.1,’ debuted at #33 on the MelOn Daily Chart. PLAVE’s success proves that even a virtual group can carve out a dedicated fanbase through catchy tunes and fresh ideas in the ever-changing K-pop world.

The first half of 2025 certainly set a high bar, and the latter half promises even bigger moments and standout comebacks to watch out for. Expect more surprises and chart-topping hits from the idols that keep K-pop exciting every year.