The 12th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards is set to take place on Monday, March 17, 2025, live on FOX from the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. This prestigious event celebrates the year’s most outstanding artists, music, and performances, and K-pop is once again front and center, with some of the industry’s brightest stars earning nominations across various categories.
This year, BTS’ Jimin leads the K-pop nominations, securing spots in major categories like K-pop Artist of the Year and K-pop Song of the Year. The awards have also expanded their fan-voted categories, allowing fans to have their voices heard on platforms like social media. Among Jimin’s other nods is a nomination for Best Lyrics (a socially voted category) and “Are You Sure?!” in Favorite On-Screen Moment, which he shares with fellow BTS member Jungkook.
BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Lisa have also captured attention with nominations in competitive categories like Best Music Video for their solo tracks “Apt.” and “Rockstar.” Despite being from the same group, fans are thrilled to see how the two will fare as they compete not only with each other but also against global stars like Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Travis Scott and Sabrina Carpenter.
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards also honors the next generation of K-pop stars. Rookie groups like ILLIT, NCT WISH, and BABYMONSTER have secured nominations, highlighting the industry’s fresh talent. Meanwhile, established acts like aespa and ENHYPEN continue to dominate, proving their enduring popularity and influence in the K-pop scene.
Here is the full list of K-pop nominations for the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards:
K-pop Artist of the Year:
aespa
ATEEZ
ENHYPEN
Jimin
Lisa
K-pop Song of the Year:
“Chk Chk Boom” - Stray Kids
“Magnetic” - ILLIT
“Supernova” - aespa
“Who” - Jimin
“XO (Only If You Say Yes)” - ENHYPEN
Best New Artist (K-pop):
BABYMONSTER
BADVILLAIN
ILLIT
NCT WISH
TWS
(New for 2025) Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge Socially Voted Category:
“GGUM” - Yeonjun (TXT)
“MAESTRO” - Seventeen
“Magnetic” - ILLIT
“Smart” - LE SSERAFIM
“Sticky” - Kiss of Life
“Supernova” - aespa
“Touch” - KATSEYE
“UP” - Karina (aespa)
“WORK” - ATEEZ
“XO (Only If You Say Yes)” - ENHYPEN
The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards will broadcast live on FOX on Monday, March 17, at 8/7c. Though the event is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, April 6, 2025 (date subject to confirmation), the anticipation among fans worldwide is palpable. Fan voting has begun on the iHeartRadio website. Stay tuned to find out which K-pop idols will take home trophies at one of America’s most prestigious music award shows!