In 2025, Korean music didn’t just sound incredible, it looked extraordinary. Artists and creative teams took us on unforgettable visual journeys, delivering music videos that stood out through bold artistic direction, fresh concepts, and compelling storytelling. Here are some of our favorite music video concepts of the year.
NANA – ‘Seventh Heaven 16’
NANA marked her long-awaited return to music with her first solo single album since her debut, and she came back stronger than ever. An idol-turned-actress with a highly acclaimed acting career, NANA has always been known for her expressive range and distinctive artistic presence. ‘Seventh Heaven 16’ reintroduced her as a solo musician with confidence, depth, and vision.
Composed of three interconnected singles, the project unfolds as a visual trilogy, each chapter revealing a different facet of her artistry. Every music video offers a unique concept while remaining thematically linked, pulling viewers into a cohesive and immersive narrative.
The trilogy begins with ‘GOD’, directed by ILLUMIN, where NANA embodies a deity in multiple forms. The video explores themes of self-discovery, redemption, and acceptance through striking imagery and powerful symbolism. It’s a visually rich opening chapter that immediately captures attention.
The story continues with ‘Daylight’, showcasing a more vulnerable and raw side of NANA. Embracing themes of “sin” and emotional surrender, the video highlights her expressive performance through fluid yet sharp movements and deeply felt facial expressions. It stands as one of her most compelling solo performances to date.
The trilogy concludes with ‘Hurt’, a minimalist yet emotionally dense visual that unites both the goddess and the vulnerable woman in a single frame. Here, expression becomes the primary language, bringing the narrative to a powerful and intimate close.
JENNIE – ‘ZEN’
JENNIE’s album ‘RUBY’ was one of 2025’s most replayed releases, and its pre-release track ‘ZEN’ pushed her artistic vision even further. Directed by Cho Gi-seok, renowned for his work with XG, this music video stands as a visual triumph.
Centered around multiple personas and alter egos, ‘ZEN’ takes viewers on a surreal journey through different versions of JENNIE. The imagery is striking and polished, with seamless transitions and sleek visual effects that blur the lines between reality and self-reflection. It’s a hypnotic, high-concept production that reinforces JENNIE’s status as both a musical and visual icon.
G-DRAGON – ‘DRAMA’
When it comes to symbolism and emotional depth, G-DRAGON’s ‘DRAMA’ stands out as one of the year’s most powerful visual statements. The music video relies on a minimalistic color palette, vintage film textures, and intimate close-ups to amplify its emotional weight.
Through candid expressions and restrained movement, G-DRAGON delivers a raw performance that captures the tension between wanting to break free and being trapped by emotional chaos. The result is a visually understated yet deeply soulful production that showcases his unmatched ability to convey intensity without excess.
This review was first published in our 2025 magazine, you can find your free copy here.
