2025 Music Bank Global Festival: Complete Lineup, Hosts & Everything K-Pop Fans Need to Know

The biggest K-pop event of the year is finally here! The 2025 Music Bank Global Festival in Japan is making history as the first-ever K-pop concert at Tokyo’s iconic Japan National Stadium. With 60,000+ fans expected across two spectacular nights, IVE’s Jang Won-young and Lee Jun-young hosting, and a star-studded lineup featuring Stray Kids, ENHYPEN, ATEEZ, and more, this weekend promises unforgettable performances. Here’s your complete guide to the festival happening December 13-14, 2025.

2025 Music Bank Global: Festival Quick Facts

When to Watch: Broadcast Details

While the live performances take place on December 13-14, 2025, international fans can watch the pre-recorded special on December 30, 2025:

Korean Time (KST): 8:30 PM
Japan Time (JST): 8:30 PM
India Time (IST): 5:00 PM
US East Coast (EST): 6:30 AM
US West Coast (PST): 3:30 AM
UK Time (GMT): 11:30 AM

Where to Watch: KBS 2TV (broadcast channel)

Unfortunately, KBS has not announced livestreaming options for international viewers during the actual December 13-14 performances. Fans must wait for the televised special on December 30.

For more K-pop updates and entertainment news, visit TechnoSports.

Meet Your Hosts

Jang Won-young (IVE): The 20-year-old K-pop sensation returns as host for the fourth consecutive year, bringing her signature charisma and fluency in both Korean and Japanese. As a former Music Bank MC and current IVE member, she’s perfectly positioned to guide audiences through this historic event.

Lee Jun-young: The multitalented actor-singer from U-KISS will co-host both nights, adding his experience and charm to the proceedings. His involvement ensures smooth transitions and engaging interactions with the diverse artist lineup.

Day 1 Lineup: December 13, 2025

The opening night features high-energy performances from internationally popular groups:

• ATEEZ – Known for powerful choreography and “Guerrilla”
• ITZY – JYP’s girl group bringing hits like “CAKE”
• TXT (TOMORROW X TOGETHER) – Fourth-gen leaders with “Sugar Rush Ride”
• ENHYPEN – Rising stars performing “Bite Me”
• NMIXX – Experimental girl group with “Love Me Like This”
• BOYNEXTDOOR – Rookie sensation with “But Sometimes”
• RIIZE – SM’s newest boy group performing “Love 119”
• ILLIT – Breakthrough rookies with “I’m Not Cute Anymore”
• KickFlip – Emerging boy group
• Hearts2Hearts – Rising girl group
• IDID – Rookie performers

Day 2 Lineup: December 14, 2025

The second night showcases powerhouse veterans alongside emerging talent:

• U-Know Yunho (TVXQ) – K-pop legend representing second-generation
• Stray Kids – Global phenomenon with “LALALALA”
• IVE – Co-host Won-young’s group performing “Baddie”
• ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) – Survival show winners with “In Bloom”
• &TEAM – Japanese-Korean hybrid group
• TWS – Pledis Entertainment’s fresh faces
• NCT WISH – SM’s multinational boy group
• NiziU – JYP’s Japanese girl group sensation
• xikers – KQ Entertainment’s rookies
• NEXZ – New boy group generating buzz
• izna – Emerging girl group
• KiiiKiii – Rookie performers
• CORTIS – New generation artists

Check out more K-pop coverage and concert news at TechnoSports.

Why This Festival is Historic

First K-Pop Concert at Japan National Stadium: The 60,000-capacity venue, primarily used for soccer and the Olympics, has never hosted a K-pop event before. This marks a significant milestone in K-pop’s global expansion and its acceptance in mainstream Japanese entertainment.

Multi-Generational Lineup: From second-generation legend U-Know Yunho to fourth-generation rookies like ILLIT and izna, the festival spans K-pop’s entire evolution, showcasing how the genre has grown and diversified.

Scale and Production: With two full nights of performances and KBS’s production expertise, fans can expect elaborate stage designs, cutting-edge technology, and seamless transitions between acts.

Artist Arrivals: The Journey Begins

K-pop idols were spotted departing Seoul’s Incheon International Airport for Tokyo over the past few days. Fans captured emotional airport fashion moments as groups including ENHYPEN, NMIXX, ATEEZ, KickFlip, TWS, BOYNEXTDOOR, and host Jang Won-young boarded flights to Japan, building anticipation for the weekend’s performances.

What Makes Music Bank Global Festival Special

The Music Bank Global Festival is KBS’s annual year-end celebration that brings together the biggest names in Korean music. Unlike regular Music Bank episodes (weekly music show), the Global Festival transforms into a massive concert experience with extended performances, special stages, and collaborations that fans won’t see anywhere else.

This is the festival’s third edition since launching in 2023, and its first time in Japan. Previous editions focused on domestic Korean audiences, but the international expansion demonstrates K-pop’s growing influence across Asia and beyond.

No Livestream, But Worth the Wait

While the absence of live international streaming disappoints global fans, the December 30 broadcast will likely include backstage footage, artist interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments that wouldn’t air during a simple livestream. KBS typically produces polished, cinematic broadcasts for these major events.

Ticket Information

The festival sold out within hours of tickets going on sale, reflecting K-pop’s massive popularity in Japan. Tickets were primarily distributed through Japanese ticketing platforms, with prices ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 yen depending on seating sections.

For the latest K-pop news and festival updates, visit TechnoSports.

Frequently Asked Questions