2025 K-Entertainment Social Media Trends That Shocked Us!
- lewishooper1
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
From trending dances to K-pop covers, these are the most shocking K-entertainment trends of 2025!
Short form K-dramas
First up on our list is K-drama marketing. Although this may not sound like a shocking trend at first, the K-drama marketing trend involves the launch of short-form mini K-drama campaigns.
The idea behind this is that, since many people spend time scrolling, thanks to shorter attention spans than in the past, short-form dramas can capture K-drama fans while they simply scroll. Our writer Lewis Hooper has also starred in a short-form drama, which will be released next year, so keep an eye out!
K-Drama Pop-Up Stores
K-drama marketing has moved beyond passive ads to focus on immersive, physical pop-up stores that allow fans to experience the drama's universe first-hand. The Dojeon team thinks these are a great way for fans to interact directly with their favorite brands, and not only this, but the pop-up store also allows amazing photos and videos to trend on social media. This year in Seoul, we have already seen the Squid Game pop-up stores and K-pop Demon Hunters! This trend extends the viewing cycle and sustains fan enthusiasm long after the final episode, turning the set into a real-life, limited-time destination.
Real-Time Idol Livestream
Live streaming is nothing new; idol and actor livestreams are transforming from casual Q&A sessions into high-conversion, interactive "shoppertainment" events for their fans.
Not only this, but these live events allow fans to feel a closer connection to their favorite stars, while at times being able to interact with them without the whole entourage that comes with a regular meet and greet event.
This year, we have seen BTS hold numerous livestreaming events, and JENNIE (BLACKPINK) during her viral "Like Jennie" challenge promotions earlier in the year.
Global Memes
Memes have become a popular way for global fans to feel connected with their favorite idols. Whether they come from dance moves and catchy melodies, such as the "Gwenchana Ding Ding" meme.
Originally from a Vietnamese song which was globally cemented after being embraced and performed by popular groups like ATEEZ and NCT, proving K-pop's power as a global meme accelerator, or simple nicknames and hand actions like the iconic Korean heart shape, these memes have really taken off in 2025! The Dojeon team is excited to see which memes trend in 2026!
The Virtual Idol
Virtual idol groups have exploded past novelty status, becoming chart-topping forces that rival human groups in sales and digital engagement.
PLAVE's "Caligo Pt. 1" shattered Melon streaming and physical sales records, signaling that the digital-only group model is now a primary competitor in K-pop. Could we see more virtual K-pop groups in 2026?
Cross-Border Super Collabs
The music industry is prioritizing shocking, high-profile collaborations that blend Western superstars with K-pop's top artists, often mixing genres that wouldn't traditionally align. The massive success of ROSÉ's "APT." with Bruno Mars, which fuses pop with disco-rock, set the new benchmark for global chart domination.
This collaboration literally took off globally and became a household song this summer! With the interest in K-culture growing each year, which cross-border super collabs could we see in 2026?
Which social media trends left you shocked this year? Comment below and let the Dojeon team know!