SBS has officially announced the MC lineup for this year’s 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon, and the combination is already generating major excitement: IVE’s Ahn Yujin, DAY6’s Young K, and NCT’s Jaemin will lead the show together.
The major year-end music festival will be held on December 25 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon.
A New Trio for a Global Stage
Ahn Yujin continues her impressive run as the primary host of Gayo Daejeon. This year marks her sixth consecutive time holding the MC role, solidifying her status as the show’s signature presenter.
With her natural tone, sharp timing, and stage confidence, she has become one of the most reliable idols in hosting.
Joining her are two fresh additions:
Young K (DAY6)
A respected singer-songwriter and bassist, Young K is already well-known for his standout hosting skills.
He previously served as a DJ on Idol Radio and KBS’s Kiss the Radio, proving he can handle live broadcasts with ease.
Jaemin (NCT DREAM)
Fans are especially excited to see Jaemin try something new.
Despite his long career and massive global fandom, he has had very few major MC opportunities. His bright personality and energetic presence are expected to bring a new dynamic to the festival.
Why the MC Lineup Changed This Year
Last year’s trio — Ahn Yujin, NCT’s Doyoung, and TXT’s Yeonjun — successfully hosted multiple seasons of the event.
However, with Doyoung entering the military on December 8, SBS was forced to adjust the lineup, leading to Young K and Jaemin joining the show.
Massive Artist Lineup Already Confirmed
The 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon will feature performances from some of K-pop’s top groups, including:
- NCT DREAM
- THE BOYZ
- Stray Kids
- ATEEZ
- ITZY
- TXT
- TREASURE
- ENHYPEN
- IVE
- NMIXX
- LE SSERAFIM
- &TEAM
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- ZEROBASEONE
- RIIZE
- TWS
- NCT WISH
- ILLIT
- BABYMONSTER
- H5
- KIKI
- ALLDAY PROJECT
- CORTIZ
More performers will be announced soon.
A Big Christmas Event for the Global K-pop Community
With a mix of experienced talent and new energy, the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon is shaping up to be one of the most exciting holiday K-pop festivals of the year.
Editor’s Insight
The unveiling of the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon MC lineup represents a strategic pivot in “Holiday Event Branding.” By pairing the “Gayo Veteran” Ahn Yujin with Young K and Jaemin, SBS is creating a Topical Authority that spans three distinct pillars of the industry: the polished professionalism of top-tier girl groups, the authentic “musician” credibility of the band scene, and the explosive global fandom of NCT. In 2026, the success of a year-end festival is no longer just about the performers, but about the “Host Chemistry” that keeps international streaming audiences engaged during the four-hour broadcast.
From a strategic perspective, the inclusion of Young K is a masterstroke in “Reliability Marketing.” With his background as a KATUSA soldier and a seasoned radio DJ, he provides a sophisticated, live-broadcast stability that balances the high-energy, idol-centric atmosphere. Meanwhile, Jaemin’s appointment is a clear nod to “Fan-Service Engagement.” Despite his decade-long career, Jaemin has rarely taken the lead as a major MC; by placing him on the Inspire Arena stage, SBS is guaranteed a massive spike in real-time social media mentions from the NCTzen fandom.
The shift in the lineup also highlights the “Military Enlistment Ripple Effect” that continues to reshape K-pop casting in 2025 and 2026. With Doyoung’s departure, SBS has successfully turned a forced change into a “Fresh Energy” narrative. As the December 25 broadcast approaches, the industry is watching to see if this trio can maintain the “Gold Standard” of hosting while navigating a massive 22-artist lineup that includes heavy hitters like Stray Kids and NewJeans.
Do you think Ahn Yujin’s sixth consecutive year as MC makes her the “National Face” of SBS Gayo, or is it time for a completely new female lead to take the reins in 2026?