Yearender: YouTube reveals top 10 music videos in PH for 2025

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Dec 4, 2025 09:27 am

YouTube revealed the top 10 music videos in the Philippines in 2025, showcasing diverse songs that captured the country’s attention throughout the year. 

Filipino rapper Skusta Clee earned the No. 1 spot with his viral song “Kalimutan Ka,” which was uploaded on YouTube on Feb. 14 this year. The music video has garnered 126.99 million views on YouTube as of this writing.

Other OPM songs also made it to the top 10.  Earl Agustin’s “Tibok” ranked No. 4; Nateman’s “IMMA FLIRT” ft. Lucky at No. 5; Ryouji’s “b4 i let u go” ft. CK YG at No. 6; Guddhist Gunatita’s “Sulitin” at No. 9; and Supafly’s “Puff Me Up” at No. 10.   

"KPop Demon Hunters" (Netflix)

YouTube released its Global Culture & Trends Report for 2025 (YouTube blog)

Skusta Clee (Screenshot from YouTube)

The unique trend this year is the massive success of Sony Pictures Animation's “KPop Demon Hunters.”

Four videos from the film ranked in the top 10 in the Philippines, indicating a rising interest in music connected to animated narratives and the global appeal of K-pop-inspired sounds.

“Golden” (826.18 million views on YouTube to date) garnered second place while “Soda Pop” is at No. 3; “How It's Done” at No. 7; and “Your Idol” at No. 8.

The ranking is “based on in-country views of official music videos that debuted in 2025. Excluding live performance videos and art track videos,” according to the YouTube Global Culture & Trends Report 2025.   

The Top 10 Music Videos on YouTube in the Philippines in 2025: 

1. Kalimutan Ka - Skusta Clee

2. Golden (KPop Demon Hunters) - Sony Pictures Animation          

3. Soda Pop (KPop Demon Hunters) - Sony Pictures Animation

4. Tibok - Earl Agustin

5. IMMA FLIRT - Nateman ft. Lucky

6. b4 i let u go - Ryouji ft. CK YG

7. How It's Done (KPop Demon Hunters) - Sony Pictures Animation          

8. Your Idol (KPop Demon Hunters) - Sony Pictures Animation          

9. SULITIN - Guddhist Gunatita          

10. PUFF ME UP - SUPAFLY ft. Gat Putch, Gaspari, OG Cry, Ghoti scale, Sica

K-pop girl group Babymonster releases second mini-album 'We Go Up'

By Jonathan Hicap

K-pop girl group Babymonster dropped their second mini-album “We Go Up” on Oct. 10 containing four tracks. 

“We Go Up” is Babymonster’s first album in 2024 following the release of the single “Hot Sauce,” which has garnered over 135 million views on YouTube. 

"It is an album that reflects each member's artistic aspirations. Preparing for the album reminded us of how deeply we enjoy making music and performing on stage," said Ahyeon in a statement released through YG Entertainment, the Korea Herald reported.   

According to Korea’s Hanteo Chart, “We Go Up” sold 261,650 copies on the first day of release, or a physical record index score of 299,737 points, landing at No. 1 on the daily physical album chart.

The album’s main track, “We Go Up,” is an upbeat and infectious hip-hop anthem that highlights the group’s drive to continually push boundaries and rise to the next level. 

Babymonster (X)

“Psycho” serves as a dedication to world-changing unique individuals and artists, encouraging listeners to embrace what makes them unique.  

The album also includes the songs “Supa Dupa Luv,” a laid-back hip-hop groove, and “Wild,” a country-inspired dance track.  

About the songs in the album, Asa said, "We all practiced the finer details to make sure the emotions came across clearly." 

“We Go Up” followed the group’s first world tour, “Hello Monsters,” which kicked off in the US with a show at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

During their 25-song setlist, they performed fan favorites like “Drip,” “Batter Up,” and “Sheesh.”

The tour spanned 20 cities and 32 shows, drawing an audience of about 300,000, according to the agency’s blog. 

They also became the fastest K-pop girl group to reach 10 million subscribers on their official YouTube channel. 

Winners at the 2025 The Fact Music Awards

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Sep 21, 2025

The 2025 The Fact Music Awards ceremony was held on Sept. 20 in Macau, honoring K-pop artists. 

The awards ceremony, hosted by Korean media outlet The Fact, was attended by many artists from Stray Kids to AHOF. 

Stray Kids won four awards: Honor of the Year, Record of the Year, Artist of the Year and TMA Popularity Award.  

"We recently finished promoting our album, and we will prepare well for our next promotions as well. We would like to thank Stay (fans) for their continued love,” said Stray Kids member Seungmin. 

Girl group Aespa won Muse of the Year, Artist of the Year and Special Jury Award while IVE took home Sound of the Year and Artist of the Year. 

“We are so grateful that MY (fandom name), who is our number one priority, has become our muses. We will work hard to become even cooler artists for our muses," said Aespa. 

IVE (X)

Aespa (X)

Stray Kids (X)

ENHYPEN (X)

The 2025 The Fact Music Awards ceremony was held on Sept. 20 (TMA)

IVE said, "First of all, we would like to thank 'The Fact Music Awards' for making us who we are. IVE will continue to be an IVE who can bring you good music in the future.” 

BINI to perform at Coachella

 

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Sep 16, 2025 12:51 pm | Updated Sep 16, 2025 03:40 pm

Filipino girl group BINI will be performing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in the US in April next year. 

Coachella unveiled the lineup of artists for next year’s event that will be held on April 10 and 17, April 11 and 18, and April 12 and 19. 

BINI will perform at Coachella on April 10 and 17.   

“It’s official… BINI is heading to Coachella 2026! See you there, Blooms!!” BINI posted on X. 

Coachella posted on Instagram, “Hard launch. Passes on sale Friday, September 19 at 11am PT. Register now for access.”

Sabrina Carpenter will headline the dates. Other performers on the two dates include The xx, Katseye, Nine Inch Noize, Disclosure, Turnstile, Ethel Cain, Dijon, Teddy Swims, and Devo. 

Coachella is held annually at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. 

Korean actress Han So-hee to Filipino fans: I will 'be there for you'

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Sep 15, 2025 01:15 pm

Korean actress Han So-hee at her 1st Fanmeeting World Tour “Xohee Loved Ones” in Manila on Sept. 13 at Cove Manila at Okada Manila

Korean actress Han So-hee met Filipino fans and promised that because of their continued love and support, she will be there for them.

Han So-hee, 31, is known for the dramas “The World of the Married,” “Gyeongseong Creature,” “Soundtrack #1,” “Nevertheless” and “My Name.” 

The actress held her 1st Fanmeeting World Tour “Xohee Loved Ones” in Manila on Sept. 13 at Cove Manila at Okada Manila, an event that was designed as premium and intimate, providing fans more than just a meet-and-greet—an elevated lifestyle experience.   

Han So-hee said she’s happy to meet her Filipino fans. 

“First and foremost, of course, I am very, very honored and blessed to have this come true live. And secondly, of course, coming here to see the fans face to face, I'm very, very happy,” she said.  

Korean actress Han So-hee at her 1st Fanmeeting World Tour “Xohee Loved Ones” in Manila on Sept. 13 at Cove Manila at Okada Manila

Before coming to the Philippines, Han So-hee attended the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada for the world premiere of her Korean film “Project Y.” 

“I think it was yesterday when I was in Toronto, Canada for a movie festival as well, and of course, I came right away to the Philippines to meet my fans face to face here in the Philippines,” she said.   

Han So-hee came up with the title of her fan meeting tour, saying, “Of course, it's like a return gift to my fans who give me unconditional and endless love. So for me, the fans are really treasures in my life. That's why I came up with this title.”

During the fan meeting, Han So-hee showed her dancing skills by performing BLACKPINK member Jennie’s “Seoul City” and girl group Aespa’s “Whiplash.” 

The event was divided into different segments from Han So-hee talking about her career and personal life to playing a game with fans. 

In the segment “Sohee’s Awards,” the audience voted on which character she would like to try playing among a doctor, psychopath, spy and producer. 

They chose a doctor and a psychopath, which Han So-hee described as “contrasting.”  

K-pop girl group IVE performs at Lollapalooza Berlin

 

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Jul 13, 2025 01:50 pm

An Yu-jin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Won-young, Liz, and Leeseo performed for about 55 minutes at Lollapalooza Berlin held at Olympic Stadium and Olympic Park in Germany.

Through their agency Starship Entertainment, IVE said, "It was a truly happy and overwhelming time thanks to the strong support and cheers from Dive [official fan club] and the audience who stayed with us through the rain before the concert.”

"We sincerely thank the audience who were present at the concert, as well as the global Dive who watched and cheered us on through the live broadcast. The staff and band who prepared for IVE to once again gloriously present 'Lollapalooza' worked hard, and let's all cheer for 'Lollapalooza Paris' next week!" they added.

After Berlin, IVE will be performing at Lollapalooza Paris to be held at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris, France.

Characters from movies, series that redefined Pride

 

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Jun 26, 2025 11:04 am

“Agatha All Along,” Episode 6, Familiar By Thy Side

Agatha isn’t just the most dangerous witch in town—she’s canonically queer, deeply complex, and fiercely self-assured. The line, delivered during an intense moment of reckoning, reflects her own journey. After centuries of loss and survival, she still stands tall—defiant, sharp, and absolutely magnetic. She doesn’t tiptoe around her power—she revels in it. Pride, for Agatha, is about reclaiming space, trusting your voice, and owning every part of who you are. With flair, fire, and zero apologies.

Elektra Abundance

“POSE,” Season 2, Episode 9

Elektra doesn’t just take up space, she claims it like a runway. This line, hurled like a dagger at the height of a ballroom showdown, is Elektra in her element: fierce, unfiltered, and immovable. In a world that tries to erase trans women like her, she turns the spotlight on herself and dares it to stay.

Her Pride is defiance in heels. A statement of survival, sisterhood, and power dressed in red and gold. Elektra doesn’t whisper her worth—she shouts it for the whole room to hear.

Charles Blow

“Late to the Party: Coming Out Later in Life”

Charles Blow’s journey isn’t about teenage rebellion—it’s a courageous reclamation in midlife, carving space for older LGBTQIA+ voices. Delivered at the culmination of the documentary, this line echoes resilience and self-love after decades of hiding. He reminds us that Pride doesn’t have an expiration date—it can be found at any time, and you’re exactly enough when you arrive.

Victor Salazar

“Love, Victor”

Victor isn’t just coming out—he’s coming into himself. In this pivotal moment, he finally lets go of everyone else’s expectations and chooses his own happiness. After seasons of navigating culture, family, and fear, this scene is his declaration. He doesn’t whisper it—he claims it.

Pride, for Victor, is the journey of saying “yes” to yourself, even when it’s terrifying. Especially when it’s terrifying.

Freddie Mercury

“Bohemian Rhapsody”

Before taking the stage at Live Aid, Freddie says this line—and it’s pure fire. It’s not about just performing; it’s about performing as himself. In a world that wanted him to tone it down, he turned the volume up. His Pride is in his presence. His voice. His glitter and grit. He was loud, queer, and unforgettable—and that’s what makes him legendary.

Santana Lopez

“Glee”

Coming out to her abuela in one of the show’s most emotional scenes, Santana’s voice shakes—but it never breaks. This moment crystallizes the terror and strength it takes to claim your truth in the face of rejection. She’s fierce. She’s vulnerable. She’s real. And that’s exactly what made her a queer icon for an entire generation. The right words, in the right moment, can spark something life-changing. These quotes—from queer characters and fierce allies—aren’t just catchphrases. They’re battle cries, love letters, and reminders that you’re not alone. So whether you’re out, questioning, healing, or holding space for someone else, may these stories remind you: your voice matters, your truth is valid, and your Pride is powerful.

New album 'bomb' showcases K-pop girl group ILLIT's growth as singers

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Jun 16, 2025 10:10 pm

Composed of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee and Iroha, ILLIT debuted in the music scene in March last year with the album “Super Real Me.”

“Bomb” marked an evolution from the introspective themes of their earlier albums to a focus on interactive emotions, capturing the excitement and uncertainty of a blossoming relationship.

Yunah said, I'm proud that we've already released three albums. I'm most looking forward to the reactions of our fans who have been waiting for a long time.

On the other hand, Wonhee said, I'm very excited to show you a new side of us. The third mini-album ‘bomb’ is an album where you can see ILLIT’s confident charm and further growth.”

For every song in the album, ILLIT conveyed the message “be bold in ambiguity, follow your heart in doubt.”

They said the biggest appeal of their music is the relatable messages.

I think many people relate to our story, which makes them feel closer and more comfortable. Our music is a story about people our age, but at the same time, it evokes relatability because it's a story that everyone has experienced at least once,” said Yunah.

The main track, “Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance),” a French house-inspired track, captures the giddy tension of a first date.

Highlighted by its romantic and whimsical string arrangement—sampling “優雅なる脱走(Yuga Naru Dasso),” the original soundtrack from Japanese anime “The Five Star Stories”—the song delivers ILLIT’s unique flair with an addictive hook, catchy phrases like “Wiggle Meow” and a sprinkle of French lyrics—reminiscent of a magic spell.

*Billyeoon Goyangi,” meaning “a borrowed cat in English, is a Korean proverb commonly used to describe the feeling of being lost or out of place.

ILLIT also released a music video for the song in which they embark on a magical journey, diving headfirst into a blossoming love.

In the music video, after a chance encounter with a mysterious boy, the girls set off across small towns and bustling cities to find him, culminating in a heart-fluttering reunion at an amusement park. The video’s vibrant animation-like visuals and growth-themed symbolism reinforce the song’s magical vibe.

ILLIT showed their signature “cat stretch dance”—a purr-fectly cheeky combo of nimble paws and bold charm.

“Bomb” contains five songs: “Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance),” “little monster,” “jellyous,” “oops!,” and “bamsopoong.”

Their decision to unveil snippets and highlight medleys prior to release reflects their strong artistic confidence.

BLACKPINK to return to PH for 'Deadline' world tour

 

By Jonathan Hicap

K-pop girl group BLACKPINK will be returning to the Philippines for a two-day concert set in November. 

Promoter Live Nation Philippines made the announcement recently noting the series of concerts form part of BLACKPINK's “Deadline” World Tour.

It happens Nov. 22 and 23 at the Philippine Arena. 

“How you like that? Get ready, BLINKs! BLACKPINK WORLD TOUR  IN BULACAN is lighting up the Philippine Arena this November 22 & 23, 2025!” Live Nation Philippines posted on X. 

Ex-K-pop girl group member accuses her agency’s CEO of sexual harassment

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Apr 30, 2025 06:56 PM

  

---

A former member of a K-pop girl group has filed a complaint for sexual harassment against the CEO of her agency. 

Ga-eun, 19, former member of idol group Madein, accused CEO Lee Yong-hak of 143 Entertainment of sexual harassment. She is also seeking a formal apology and the termination of her exclusive contract with the agency. 

K-pop girl group Madein (Instagram)

Former Madein member Ga-eun (X)

On April 29, Ga-eun’s side, including her mother, held a press conference about the sexual harassment, which reportedly happened in October last year.  

During the press conference, a handwritten memorandum allegedly made by Lee Yong-hak was released. 

The memorandum stated, "I sincerely apologize for the sexual harassment. In future contractual relationships with 143 Entertainment, I will step down from the position of legal representative director and take responsibility to ensure that I am not disadvantaged. I will also give Ga-eun the right of first choice in contract extensions and other contractual relationships,” Korean media reported. 

143 Entertainment issued a statement, saying, "It is also deeply regrettable that Ga-eun's side demanded a large sum of consolation money based on one-sided claims related to an incident that was already reported last year, and when this was refused, they filed a criminal complaint about six months after the incident occurred." 

The controversy was first reported by a current affairs program of Korean TV channel JTBC in November last year. 143 Entertainment denied the allegations. 

Also last November, 143 Entertainment announced the departure of Ga-eun from Madein and denied the sexual harassment allegations. 

Madein, formerly Limelight, debuted in September last year. The group’s current members are Mashiro, MiU, Suhye, Yeseo, Serina, and Nagomi.

Jisoo kicks off ‘Lights, Love, Action!’ Asia fan tour in Manila: ‘Mahal ko kayo’

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Mar 18, 2025 10:12 AM

  

---

K-pop star Jisoo, a member of girl group BLACKPINK, kicked off her solo Asia fan tour in Manila. 

The singer and actress, who is currently starring in Prime Video’s zombie series “Newtopia,” held her “Lights, Love, Action!” fan meeting in Manila on March 14 at the Araneta Coliseum. 

The fun-filled night saw Jisoo performing before Filipino fans, decorating a gift, playing games, and going to the audience area.  

Manila was the first stop in her “Lights, Love, Action!” Asia fan tour. For the whole March, she will be in Bangkok, Tokyo, Macau, Taipei, Hong Kong and Hanoi. 

K-pop star and actress Jisoo at her fan meeting in Manila on March 14 (Photos provided by Collective Touring Philippines)

K-pop star and actress Jisoo at her fan meeting in Manila on March 14 (Instagram)

Before the Asia fan tour, Jisoo released his first solo mini-album “Amortage” on Feb. 14, a fusion of the words “amor” (love) and "montage."   

“Amortage” sold 523,971 copies by the end of March, based on Hanteo Chart data. 

In Manila, Jisoo started the fan meeting by performing “Earthquake,” the main track from “Amortage”  followed by “Your Love,” “Tears,” “Hugs & Kisses,” “Flower” and “All Eyes on Me.” 

“Long time no see,” Jisoo greeted the crowd. “At first I was very nervous but as I came up the stage and I saw all my Blinks, it felt like a really good sign and I really gained strength. 

Jisoo came back to the Philippines after two years since BLACKPINK’s “Born Pink” world tour held in the country in March 2023. 

“Even though it's been a long time since I've been here, they hung up banners like this outside and welcomed me so warmly and cheered me on so I really gained strength. It was good from the very beginning,” she said. 

Outside the Araneta Coliseum, banners featuring Jisoo were put up in different areas. 

When asked which is the most meaningful song for her, Jisoo chose “Your Love,” saying, “The lyrics of this is actually my message to Blinks so every time I see this, I feel like I show all my love.”

On Korean food that she would like to recommend to her Filipino fans, she said, “I really like Korean pancakes like  ‘pajeon’ or ‘kimchijeon.’” 

Jisoo also picked the words "tough," "cool" and "cute" to describe her personality. 

If she could relive one moment in her career, Jisoo said, “The memories of performing are really precious to me so I think this moment of our first fan concert today will be memorable for a long time.”

In one segment, Jisoo decorated an album that was given to a lucky fan and signed it with “mahal kita (I love you).” She also gave away a Polaroid photo with the words “mahal kita.” 

In another segment, Jisoo learned Filipino phrases including “mahal ko kayo” (I love you), “masaya ba kayo? (Are you happy?) and “charot” (a Fiipino slang which means “just kidding”). 

Jisoo also played charades with fans acting the keywords, including “The Matrix,” “Aladdin,” “Harry Potter,” pencil, computer, bag, clock, cell phone, sticker, glasses, tie, calendar, soccer, doctor and singer. 

During her performance of “All Eyes on Me,” Jisoo roamed around the audience area to be close to her fans. 

As she wrapped up her fan meeting, Jisoo said she is happy to spend time with fans. 

K-pop star and actress Jisoo in Manila on March 14 (Instagram)

K-pop star and actress Jisoo's photo outside the Araneta Coliseum on March 14 (Jonathan Hicap)

“This is my first time doing my first solo tour fan meet. I was actually very much looking forward to it but also worried. But right now even having this time, I guess, it was so much fun that the time just flew and spending time with my Blinks, I really want to just tell you how much happier I am,” said Jisoo. 

She added, “And also, of course, I really want to extend my gratitude to everyone, all the staff who have really worked hard to make this performance, to make this happen.”

In an Instagram post, Jisoo wrote, “Thank you for be part of my very first solo fan meeting! Happy to started with big cheers of BLINK Manila. So grateful you made me lovely AMORTAGE. Can‘t wait to see you again! MAHAL KO KAYO, XOXO.”

Jisoo’s “Lights, Love, Action!” Asia fan tour was produced by Paradise E&A, Monday Morning Creative Lab, Askara Nation, and Collective Touring Philippines.