ITZY’s Yeji has made a powerful mark as a solo artist. Her debut solo track “Air” has been selected by British music magazine NME as one of the “25 Best K-pop Songs of 2025,” earning international recognition for both its musical intensity and artistic impact.
On December 11 (KST), NME released its annual list spotlighting the most outstanding K-pop releases of the year. Yeji’s “Air” was included among the top selections, drawing particular attention as one of the most praised solo debuts of 2025.
“One of the Most Satisfying Surprises of the Year”
In its commentary, NME described Yeji’s solo debut as “one of the most satisfying surprises of 2025.” The publication highlighted how she commands the track with a sense of restrained tension, adding that the song grows increasingly intense as it builds toward its climax. According to NME, Yeji “rides the beat while savoring its breathless suspense,” delivering emotion that becomes more powerful as the song progresses a quality that sets “Air” apart from conventional K-pop releases.
Global Praise From Both the UK and the US
Yeji’s international recognition didn’t begin with NME. Earlier this year, her solo debut track was also selected for Billboard’s “25 Best K-pop Songs of 2025 (So Far)”, released in July. Being recognized by both British and American media outlets underscores the song’s broad global appeal.
“Air” is a synth pop track built around an addictive hook and a sleek, modern sound. Yeji participated in writing the lyrics, adding a personal layer to the song’s emotional depth. Her performance marked by sharp movement, fluid transitions, and commanding stage presence further solidified her identity as a solo artist with strong potential.
ITZY’s Continued Momentum
While Yeji’s solo work continues to shine, ITZY is also maintaining strong group momentum. The group recently released their new album “Tunnel Vision,” which earned significant attention for its intense performances and musical direction. The title track secured multiple music show wins, reaffirming ITZY’s standing in the industry.
Earlier this year, ITZY’s single “Girls Will Be Girls” was selected for Spotify’s “Best of K-pop On! 2025” playlist, further reinforcing their global streaming presence. ITZY is set to kick off their next world tour, “TUNNEL VISION,” in February 2026. The tour will begin with three concerts in Seoul from February 13 to 15 at Jamsil Indoor Stadium, before expanding to international destinations.