The 2025 MBC歌謡大祭典 featured top K-POP artists, exciting performances, and memorable collaborations, marking a vibrant New Year.

The '2025 MBC Song Festival' powerfully opened the door to the New Year with top-class K-POP artists. Yesterday (31st), the '2025 MBC Song Festival' broadcast in Korea featured artists loved this year, each presenting stages infused with different 'mottos' and vibrant performances harmonized with a live band, captivating the viewers' hearts. The festival opened with an introduction by Baek Cheol-soo, who has proven the essence of the Korean music scene, and ATEEZ's performance of 'The Real' firmly established the theme of the show right from the start. SHINee's Minho, who has been the face of the show for three consecutive years, and Annie from ALLDAY PROJECT, who faced her first MC challenge, along with Hwang Min-hyun's return after two years, created an exciting atmosphere together. The performers were introduced with a fantastic harmony by the beatbox and a cappella crew BEATPELLA HOUSE. Following that, newcomers IDID, KiiiKiii, CORTIS, Hearts2Hearts, ALLDAY PROJECT, and KickFlip showcased passionate stages, raising expectations for their future activities. The diverse charms of the artists also drew attention. TWS's Dohun, Yongjae, and Jihun shed their freshness to reveal unexpected allure with a sexy song. izna and PLAVE displayed their strengths with goddess-like visuals and cinematic performances. NEXZ transformed into rugby players, ILLIT declared 'not cute anymore,' and LUCY fully utilized the charm of a band, further enhancing the festive mood. MEOVV, NCT WISH, TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Yeonjun, LE SSERAFIM, TWS, and THE BOYZ also attracted attention with performances reflecting their distinct team colors. Meanwhile, a variety of collaborations worthy of the name 'special stage' unfolded. Starting with a delightful stage by Han Lolo and TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Taehyun, the center group of the 5th generation girl groups, 'Lee Bang Won,' showcased the charm of the center with Hearts2Hearts' Ian, izna's Bang Jimin, and ILLIT's Wonhee, while YB and Stray Kids' main vocalist Seungmin displayed the charm of rock. ILLIT's special stage, featuring a surprise appearance by Pikachu, elicited a hot response. Additionally, in line with the 20th anniversary of the 'MBC Song Festival,' a medley of nostalgic songs from 2005 reinterpreted by rookie idols was prepared, resonating with songs like Lee Hyori's 'Anymotion' and Jinusean's 'Phone Number,' creating empathy across generations. RIIZE, NMIXX, ZEROBASEONE, and Minho, who have grown alongside the show, made the audience feel their growth through their performances. IVE's Liz prepared Sondia's 'Adult,' the insert song from 'My Dear Mister,' as a commemorative song for the 20th anniversary of the 'MBC Song Festival,' adding special meaning. As they welcomed 2026, the idols conveyed their New Year's resolutions and greetings, capturing attention. RIIZE's Wonbin, born in the year of the horse, expressed, 'Since it’s the year of the horse, I will work harder and show good stages and performances.' KickFlip's Donghyun, who just turned 20, revealed his wish to get a license and travel with his parents, while IDID's Seong-hyun humorously mentioned wanting to go to a sauna with his older members after 10 PM. Following this, a joint stage of the 20-year-old artists unfolded, painting a page of youth. The main players of K-POP also shone brightly. BOYNEXTDOOR concluded the event with a deep bow, delivering a warm feeling. IVE doubled the excitement of the New Year with bright energy. Stray Kids attracted attention with stage production utilizing AI technology. Furthermore, artists with solid skills, from TREASURE to aespa, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ITZY, ATEEZ, and NCT DREAM, brought the atmosphere to a climax, delivering moments that were impossible to take your eyes off. The long-awaited finale saw all performers singing together Kim Won-jun's 'Show.' The stage where various artists' voices harmonized made the conclusion of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 even more meaningful, beautifully coloring the end of the '2025 MBC Song Festival.'