Imagine the electric buzz of K-pop's biggest stars converging for a holiday extravaganza that's got fans worldwide on the edge of their seats—welcome to the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon, where Christmas cheer meets jaw-dropping performances at the Inspire Arena. And just when you think the excitement can't get any higher, we're about to dive into all the details that make this event unforgettable. But here's where it gets controversial: with a few high-profile lineup shifts stirring up debates among fans. Stick around, because this is the part most people miss—the behind-the-scenes drama and star-studded collaborations that could redefine the night.
Scheduled for just one day from now, the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon—known in Korean as SBS 가요대전—is poised to ignite the holiday spirit. This annual music festival, hosted by the Seoul Broadcasting System, brings together top K-pop acts in a spectacular showcase of talent, dance, and festive vibes. For beginners jumping into the K-pop world, think of it as the ultimate year-end concert where idols from various groups perform solo or in groups, often featuring special collaborations that blend different styles and energies. To guide the proceedings, a fresh set of main hosts has been assembled, with IVE's AN Yujin returning as a staple presence.
While Yujin continues to shine in this role, she'll be joined by NCT's Jaemin and DAY6's Young K, stepping in for her previous co-hosts, NCT's Doyoung and TXT's Yeonjun. Those two had previously taken the stage for the summer edition of Gayo Daejeon. Notably, Yujin has now cemented her place in history by being selected as the show's MC six consecutive times, a streak that began back in 2022. It's a testament to her charisma and ability to connect with audiences, making her a fan favorite in the hosting circuit.
Beyond this musical celebration, SBS is ramping up the anticipation with two other major year-end events: the SBS Entertainment Awards and the SBS Drama Awards. While the Gayo Daejeon kicks off tomorrow, the Entertainment Awards are set for December 30, and the Drama Awards will air on December 31, creating a festive trilogy of entertainment that has fans eagerly awaiting each broadcast.
Curious about catching all the action? Here's the essential info on when and where to tune in for the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon. The Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS TV) will air the event live on Thursday, December 25, starting at 4:50 pm Korean Standard Time (KST), which translates to 1:20 pm Indian Standard Time (IST). For those who can't wait to see the red carpet glamour and the main show, both segments will be streamed live on the SBSKPOP X INKIGAYO YouTube channel. Keep in mind, though, this stream is exclusively for international viewers who have a 'SBSKPOP Live' membership—it's a small gatekeeper to ensure a premium experience.
As of December 25 KST, the red carpet portion was freely available on the same YouTube channel, giving everyone a sneak peek at the stars' arrivals. If you're looking for more options, a subscription to KOCOWA+ could unlock the live stream for you. Locally in South Korea, viewers can simply switch to the SBS TV channel for the full broadcast. Fans in Japan have access through the Lemino OTT platform, while those in Russia and the CIS regions can enjoy it via ivi (OTT), making global viewing more accessible than ever.
Now, let's talk about the star-studded lineup and performances that are set to steal the show at this Christmas concert. The full roster was revealed early on, but there was a thrilling late addition: NCT's leader Taeyong, who will grace the stage for the first time since completing his mandatory military service. This comeback performance is huge for fans, marking a poignant return for a K-pop icon who's been a cornerstone of NCT's success—imagine the emotional high as he reunites with the spotlight after his national duty.
On the flip side, SHINee's Key, who was initially slated to appear, has been removed from the lineup. This change stems from his involvement in the so-called 'injection auntie' controversy, which reportedly involves comedian Park Na Rae and has sparked widespread discussions about personal matters in the public eye. In light of this, Key chose to withdraw from several upcoming commitments, including the SBS Gayo Daejeon. But here's where it gets controversial: should personal scandals, no matter how sensationalized, dictate an artist's ability to perform? Many argue it protects the artist's well-being, while others wonder if it unfairly sidelines talent in a cutthroat industry. What do you think—does this approach foster accountability or stifle creativity? We'd love to hear your take in the comments.
With that in mind, the complete 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon lineup features an impressive array of acts, including:
- NCT Taeyong
- NCT DREAM
- TVXQ’s U-Know
- THE BOYZ
- Stray Kids
- ATEEZ
- ITZY
- TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT)
- NMIXX
- IVE
- TREASURE
- aespa
- ENHYPEN
- LE SSERAFIM
- &TEAM
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- ZEROBASEONE
- RIIZE
- TWS
- NCT WISH
- ILLIT
- BABYMONSTER
- NEXZ
- MEOVV
- izna
- KickFlip
- Hearts2Hearts
- KiiiKiii
- SKINZ
- HITGS
- ALLDAY PROJECT
- Baby DONT Cry
- AHOF
- CORTIS
- AxMxP
- IDID
And this is the part most people miss—the electrifying collab performances that add an extra layer of magic to the night. Earlier this month, SBS announced a special duet between TXT's Yeonjun and KATSEYE's members for their rendition of 'Let Me Tell You,' blending TXT's dynamic energy with KATSEYE's fresh global appeal. Similarly, BOYNEXTDOOR's Woonhak and ILLIT's Wonhee will team up for a co-ed stage that's sure to highlight the chemistry between these rising stars.
Meanwhile, THE BOYZ's Sunwoo, TREASURE's Haruto, and ALLDAY PROJECT's Woochan will embody 'rapper boyfriends' in a fun, thematic performance that promises to charm fans with their lyrical prowess and group harmony. For a touch of youthful innocence, LE SSERAFIM's Eunchae, NMIXX's Kyujin, and IVE's Leeseo are uniting for a 'maknae' (youngest members) collaboration, showcasing the adorable and talented side of K-pop's next generation.
On the boys' side, TXT's Huening Kai, ZEROBASEONE's Zhang Hao, RIIZE's Sohee, and TWS' Shinyu will join forces in a one-time supergroup, blending their unique styles into something entirely new. And don't overlook NCT WISH, the rookie sub-unit of NCT that went viral with their summer cover performances at last year's SBS Gayo Daejeon. They'll deliver a special three-part set on Christmas Day, proving why they've captured so many hearts with their synchronized moves and catchy tunes.
This article was originally published on December 24, 2025, at 2:01 pm. What controversies or collaborations are you most excited about for this year's Gayo Daejeon? Do you agree with how lineup changes are handled in light of public scandals, or should artists always take center stage regardless? Share your opinions and predictions below—we're all ears!
