The power of music once again proved to be timeless, as chart performance in 2025 showed that strong songs can transcend both time and absence.
According to Melon’s 2025 Domestic and Overseas Annual Top 100 Charts, released on January 8, WOODZ (Cho Seung Youn) claimed the No.1 spot on the domestic annual chart with “Drowning,” despite being in the middle of his military service hiatus.
Originally released in 2023, “Drowning” experienced a dramatic chart reversal after a live performance video of WOODZ singing the song in military uniform went viral in 2024. The renewed attention pushed the track to No.1 on Melon’s Top 100 two years after its initial release ultimately securing the top position on the 2025 annual chart.
Last year’s Melon chart notably highlighted the strong presence of male artists. G-Dragon ranked second with “Home Sweet Home,” a collaboration with BIGBANG members Taeyang and Daesung. Hwang Garam’s “I Am a Firefly” placed fourth, while ZO ZAZZ’s “Don`t you know” followed closely at fifth. 10CM also entered the Top 10 with “To You,” an anime OST that ranked tenth.
BLACKPINK’s long-awaited group comeback and the members’ solo releases also dominated the charts. Rosé and Bruno Mars’ global hit “APT.” landed at No.6, while Jennie’s “like JENNIE” placed at No.11. BLACKPINK’s group track “JUMP” ranked 27th.
Among fourth- and fifth-generation groups, BOYNEXTDOOR stood out with “Today I Love You (I LOVE YOU)” securing the 12th spot. Co-ed group ALLDAY PROJECT’s “FAMOUS” followed at No.23.
BTS continued to demonstrate their enduring chart power through what is often called their “spring anthem.” “Spring Day,” the title track from their 2017 repackage album YOU NEVER WALK ALONE, entered Melon’s annual chart for the ninth consecutive year. After debuting at No.12 in its release year, the song ranked No.77 in 2025. Jungkook’s solo hit “Seven,” released in 2023, also remained on the annual chart at No.60 for the third straight year.
Group performance was especially strong for aespa and DAY6, each placing six songs on the annual chart. aespa’s “Whiplash” ranked third among their entries, while DAY6’s “HAPPY” reached No.8. IVE and G-Dragon each charted five songs, while Lee Mujin placed four tracks on the list.
On Melon’s overseas annual chart, the soundtrack from Netflix’s animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters dominated. The OST’s lead track “Golden” ranked No.1, with all eight soundtrack songs landing within the Top 30. Among them, “Soda Pop” by the fictional group Saja Boys ranked second, while “Your Idol” and “How It’s Done” placed fourth and sixth, respectively.
Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ duet “Die With A Smile” took third place, while “IRIS OUT,” from the Japanese animated film Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc, ranked ninth.
With viral moments, long-standing fan support, and enduring musical quality shaping the charts, Melon’s 2025 annual rankings once again highlighted how powerful a single song can be no matter the year it was released.
Sources: Herald Economy,Melon
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