Quick Read
- SBS Gayo Daejeon 2025 airs live on December 25 at Inspire Arena, Incheon.
- IVE’s An Yu-jin hosts for the sixth consecutive year, joined by NCT’s Jaemin and DAY6’s Young K.
- NCT’s Taeyong returns post-military service; SHINee’s Key withdraws amid controversy.
- Special collaborations feature TXT’s Yeonjun & KATSEYE, BOYNEXTDOOR’s Woonhak & ILLIT’s Wonhee, and more.
- Global viewers can stream via SBSKPOP X INKIGAYO YouTube channel (membership required for main show).
On December 25, 2025, the annual SBS Gayo Daejeon returns to Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, transforming Christmas into a celebration of K-pop’s brightest stars and freshest collaborations. With the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) at the helm, the event is set to captivate viewers both in Korea and around the globe, blending tradition with fresh energy.
The festival’s hosting lineup itself is a story of continuity and evolution. IVE’s An Yu-jin steps up as the main MC for the sixth time in a row, a streak that began in 2022 and now marks her as the undisputed ‘Queen of Gayo Daejeon.’ She’s joined this year by NCT’s Jaemin and DAY6’s Young K, replacing last summer’s co-hosts Doyoung (NCT) and Yeonjun (TXT). An Yu-jin’s reliability and charisma have made her a fixture for both summer and year-end editions, earning praise not only for her smooth delivery but also for her adaptability on stage. As Young K and Jaemin expressed during the show, Yu-jin is “an MC we trust,” a sentiment echoed by viewers who’ve watched her grow from rookie to seasoned host.
But it’s not just about the hosts. The SBS Gayo Daejeon is a magnet for top-tier talent, and 2025’s lineup is no exception. NCT’s leader Taeyong makes his highly anticipated return to the stage after completing his mandatory military service—a moment fans have awaited with palpable excitement. On the other end of the spectrum, SHINee’s Key was originally set to perform but withdrew following his involvement in the widely discussed ‘injection auntie’ controversy, reflecting the unpredictability that often shadows live entertainment.
The full roster reads like a who’s who of K-pop: NCT Taeyong, NCT DREAM, TVXQ’s U-Know, THE BOYZ, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, ITZY, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), NMIXX, IVE, TREASURE, aespa, ENHYPEN, LE SSERAFIM, &TEAM, BOYNEXTDOOR, ZEROBASEONE, RIIZE, TWS, NCT WISH, ILLIT, BABYMONSTER, NEXZ, and many more, including notable rookie groups like NCT WISH, who went viral for their cover stages earlier in the year.
Special stages and collaborations are a hallmark of the festival. This year, TXT’s Yeonjun and KATSEYE team up for a “Let Me Tell You” performance, promising a blend of star power and chemistry. BOYNEXTDOOR’s Woonhak and ILLIT’s Wonhee join forces for another co-ed showcase, while THE BOYZ’s Sunwoo, TREASURE’s Haruto, and ALLDAY PROJECT’s Woochan step into the spotlight as the “rapper boyfriends,” infusing the night with youthful energy. There’s also a ‘maknae’ collaboration featuring LE SSERAFIM’s Eunchae, NMIXX’s Kyujin, and IVE’s Leeseo, highlighting the next generation of K-pop icons. Boy group members TXT’s Huening Kai, ZEROBASEONE’s Zhang Hao, RIIZE’s Sohee, and TWS’ Shinyu will form a one-time unit, bringing together diverse fanbases for a singular moment.
IVE, the group led by An Yu-jin, not only plays a central role in the hosting but also takes the stage for their own performance, riding the momentum of a year that saw them claim 20 music show wins and complete their second world tour. Yu-jin’s presence as both host and performer embodies the multifaceted nature of today’s K-pop idols, whose influence stretches from vocals and lyrics to variety shows and brand endorsements. Her comedic timing, showcased in programs like tvN’s «Pung Pung Earth Amusement Room 3» and Netflix’s «Crime Scene Zero», earned her accolades such as the ‘Female Variety Idol’ at the 2025 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards and three consecutive wins at the Brand of the Year Awards.
For those wanting to tune in, SBS will broadcast the show live at 4:50 pm KST (1:20 pm IST), accessible to Korean viewers via SBS TV. International fans can catch the livestream on the SBSKPOP X INKIGAYO YouTube channel, though full access requires an ‘SBSKPOP Live’ membership. The red carpet event, however, remains free for all on YouTube. Additional options include streaming via KOCOWA+ (subscription required), Lemino (Japan), and ivi (Russia and CIS region), ensuring global accessibility despite regional restrictions.
As the curtain rises on SBS Gayo Daejeon 2025, the anticipation is as much about the spectacle as the stories unfolding behind the scenes. Each performance, collaboration, and hosting moment adds a thread to the tapestry of K-pop’s ongoing evolution, reflecting both the genre’s international reach and its deeply local roots. With An Yu-jin’s steady hand at the helm, and a lineup packed with talent both seasoned and new, this year’s festival promises not just music but a shared celebration—a reminder that, for many, the best Christmas gift is the joy of coming together, even if just through a screen.
The 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon stands as a testament to K-pop’s enduring ability to reinvent itself while honoring tradition. An Yu-jin’s sixth hosting marks a rare feat, reflecting the value of consistency in a fast-changing industry, while the event’s diverse lineup and innovative collaborations show that the genre’s creative heart beats stronger than ever. As the year closes, the festival is both a mirror and a beacon for fans—inviting them to celebrate, reflect, and look forward to what’s next.