36 Acts, 1 Stage: 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon Showcases K-Pop's Immense Scale

A meteor shower of 36 K-Pop acts lit up Christmas night. The 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon, held yesterday on December 25th, wasn't just a year-end celebration; its massive lineup spanning every generation of K-Pop became a powerful statement on the industry's current dominance and future trajectory.

A Panorama of K-Pop's Generations

From industry veterans like TVXQ's Yunho and NCT's Taeyong to global chart-toppers like Stray Kids, ATEEZ, and TXT, the stage was a living timeline of K-Pop's evolution. The event brought together artists who have shaped and are currently defining the sound of modern pop music.

The 4th generation girl groups, in particular, demonstrated their immense influence. The presence of powerhouses like ITZY, aespa, IVE, NMIXX, and LE SSERAFIM—each with their own unique concept and massive fanbase—highlighted the incredibly competitive and vibrant landscape of today's K-Pop.

The Proving Ground for 5th Gen Rookies

The festival also served as a major showcase for the rising 5th generation. With chart-dominating newcomers like ZEROBASEONE, RIIZE, TWS, ILLIT, and BABYMONSTER taking the stage, the event offered a glimpse into the fierce competition that will define K-Pop's next chapter.