K-pop Stars Take Over Global Festival Lineups from Seoul to Berlin

K-pop’s festival domination continues in 2025

As the outdoor music festival season heats up, artists under Kakao Entertainment’s labels are dazzling fans both in South Korea and around the world. From prestigious local events like the Seoul Jazz Festival and Beautiful Mint Life to international giants such as Lollapalooza and the Jakarta Jazz Festival, these performers are showcasing their vibrant live performances and musical diversity.

All eyes are on KiiiKiii, a Gen Z-fueled breakout girl group from Starship Entertainment. Kicking off their explosive festival debut at the 2025 Seoul Spring Festa, they’ve already proven their rising-star status with high-energy performances and sharp choreography. Extending their spotlight internationally, KiiiKiii wowed the audience at KCON Japan 2025 with an opening cover of 2NE1’s “I Am the Best” and a solid stage featuring tracks from their debut album Uncut Gems, including “I Do Me.”

Solo acts leave strong impressions

Monsta X‘s main vocalist, Kihyun, will return to delight fans at Peak Festival 2025 in Seoul’s Nanji Hangang Park. Having established a strong solo presence since 2022 with his albums Voyager and Youth, Kihyun is pushing the momentum amidst Monsta X’s 10th anniversary and new group activities with Now Project Vol.1.

Meanwhile, IVE is securing its position as a truly global act. Following their praised 2023 set at Lollapalooza Chicago, they are set to perform at Lollapalooza Berlin and Paris this July, becoming the first K-pop girl group to join the festival three times.

Artist WOODZ (Cho Seung-youn) is expected to make a splash at Summer Sonic 2025 in Japan after sustaining a hit run with “Drowning” even during his military service. With his unique artistry in composition and stage presence, his upcoming performances are highly anticipated.

Instrumental excellence and jazz exports

Alternative K-band Dragon Pony from Antenna is also gaining traction, with a powerful festival circuit that includes the 2025 Busan One Asia Festival, Beautiful Mint Life 2025, 2025 Seoul Park Music Festival, and 2025 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival. They’re also embarking on their first international solo concert in Taipei and will be performing at the 2025 Korea-ASEAN Music Festival ROUND in Malaysia.

Jazz sensation Yoon Seok Cheol Trio, led by revered keyboardist Yoon of Antenna, will continue bringing Korean jazz to the global stage. With performances confirmed for the Seoul Jazz Festival and Southeast Asia’s largest jazz celebration, the Jakarta Jazz Festival, the trio exemplifies K-jazz potential on a world stage.

Wrapping up the spotlight is beloved healing duo Peppertones, who will grace the Peak Festival 2025 and Beautiful Mint Life 2025 with their refreshing sound, rounding out a dynamic and diverse year for Korean artists in global festival lineups.