It’s hotter than summer.May is the season of college festivals.As campuses across the country announce a lineup of K-pop idols that rival awards ceremonies, they enter into a full-scale festival frenzy.Who will be the busiest idol?

The artist who received the most attention at the university festivals in May 2025 was definitely aespa.They proved their influence by performing on the stages of four university festivals, including Hongik University, Konkuk University, Chung-Ang University, and Kyunghee University, even without any new song promotions this year.In particular, their dominance of the university scene since their 5th mini-album ‘Whiplash’ released in October 2024 is even more impressive.

Following them are ITZY, who are scheduled to make a comeback in June, and KISS OF LIFE.ITZY has been filling up the stages of major university festivals such as Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Konkuk University, Kyunghee University, and Inha University, while KISS OF LIFE has been included in the lineup announced by Yonsei University, Sejong University, and Korea National Sport University.KISS OF LIFE, who emerged as the ‘new waterbomb goddess’ by dominating various summer festivals last year, has been growing their presence on college campuses as well, drawing an even hotter response since the release of their special single ‘Kiss Road’ on the 7th.

Ahead of Kiss of Life, Kwon Eun-bi, known as the ‘original Waterbomb Goddess’, is also on a roll.She is defending her title as the Summer Goddess by competing at Dankook University, Hoseo University, Seogyeong University, and Jeonbuk University.

Amid the girl group dominance, the band’s presence is also evident.Yoon Do-hyun Band will perform at Konkuk University, Hongik University, and Jeonbuk University.Jannabi will also perform at Sejong University, Dankook University, and Konkuk University, and will heat up the festival atmosphere with an overwhelming band sound optimized for the festival stage.In addition, Lucy, Silica Gel, and Na Sang-hyun’s Band received love calls from college students.

A performance planning official analyzed, “University festivals that attract a large audience of people in their 20s are not just stages, but also function as ‘self-viral’ platforms,” and “Recently, university festivals show a different topography from music charts.”

Meanwhile, aespa, who have taken over college campuses without a new song, are also gathering attention with rumors of a comeback.Footage from a music video shoot that was leaked on SNS on the 4th is rapidly spreading among fandoms, raising the possibility of resuming domestic activities in June.In fact, after performing on stage at KSPO Dome ‘2025 MyK Festa’ on June 19, they are scheduled to have overseas activities such as the Morocco concert on the 24th and the London SM Town concert on the 28th, so it seems that the start of global activities is imminent.


Reporter Jang Eun- eunj@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.