The 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon, held on March 25, 2025, featured a remarkable lineup of 36 performing teams, yet the event did not meet expectations in terms of viewership. Despite the presence of popular artists such as Yunho from TVXQ, Taeyong and NCT DREAM, along with groups like Stray Kids, ATEEZ, and ITZY, the show recorded a disappointing viewership rating of only 1.9%, as reported by Nielsen Korea.
The ratings were particularly low during the first segment, which garnered just 1.2%. While the second segment matched last year’s first-part rating at 1.9%, the overall performance was underwhelming compared to previous years. Last year, the third segment achieved a significantly higher rating of 3.1%, leaving this year’s second and third segments falling short with the same 1.9% rating.
The Gayo Daejeon, a prominent event in South Korea’s music calendar, usually attracts considerable attention due to its star-studded roster and elaborate performances. This year, the lineup included popular names such as TREASURE, aespa, ENHYPEN, IVE, NMIXX, LE SSERAFIM, and many others. The gathering of these renowned artists aimed to draw in a larger audience, but the results indicate a shift in viewer engagement.
The decline in ratings has prompted discussions among industry analysts and fans regarding the changing dynamics of music shows. Many speculate that factors such as streaming preferences and shifts in audience behavior could contribute to the diminished live viewership.
Despite the lower ratings, the event still managed to showcase impressive talent and production values, highlighting the enduring popularity of K-pop on the global stage. Moving forward, the industry may need to adapt to new trends in viewership to maintain the excitement surrounding such events.
As the entertainment landscape evolves, the future of shows like the SBS Gayo Daejeon may hinge on understanding audience preferences and leveraging digital platforms to enhance engagement.
