Group WJSN member Dayoung's solo debut song "body" was selected as one of the best K-pop songs of the year by British magazine NME.
According to the 2025 list "The 25 best K-pop songs of 2025" released by British music magazine NME, Dayoung's solo debut song "body (body)" ranked on the 2025 best K-pop list, solidifying her global standing.
"body" is the title track of Dayoung's solo debut album and first digital single released last Sept., gonna love me, right?. With its punchy beat and Dayoung's refreshing tone, the song allowed Dayoung to take on new challenges across vocals, performance, rap and overall styling, showcasing a clearer musical world and proving her skills as an all-rounder.
NME said, "Dayoung is not someone who backs down easily, and 'body' is the result of her perseverance."
It added, "This alluring summer pop song sparkles like the light at dusk, evoking the radiant energy of past K-pop summers while also offering a modern sophistication that makes the song itself stand out," and explained the selection by saying, "Above all, what secured her the place she deserves in the spotlight is WJSN Dayoung's infectious passion for the stage, paired with the track's addictive hook."
The album goona love me, right? is an album in which Dayoung personally put the stories she wanted to convey into everything from the music to the concept. Dayoung participated in planning as well as lyrics and composition, building her own musical world, revealing a way of loving herself while delivering a message of love and self-assurance to listeners, adding authenticity.
Before this NME selection, Dayoung left meaningful marks this year as an all-rounder solo artist across various domestic and international indicators. With the title track "body," she showed an upward trend by debuting at a peak of No. 9 on the Melon top 100 immediately after release and entering the weekly chart top 20 as of the second week of Oct., and she demonstrated her capability as a solo artist by lifting a music show trophy. In particular, the challenge craze that started on short-form platforms such as TikTok and YouTube Shorts contributed to the song becoming a public favorite beyond the global fandom.
Praise from foreign media followed. Immediately after release, outlets including NME, Forbes, FOX 13 Seattle and various countries' MTV channels focused on her new release and global influence. Then on Nov. 15, she proved her hot popularity by winning the best solo artist, female category at the 2025 Korea Grand Music Awards (2025 KGMA).
After such a successful debut activity, Dayoung continued follow-up promotions with songs such as "number one rockstar." With rich, musicallike stages and challenges that drew public response, Dayoung proved boundless potential as a solo artist through these activities.
Meanwhile, Dayoung is scheduled to perform at the 2025 KBS Song Festival global festival held at Songdo Convensia in Incheon on the 19th, where she is expected to heat up the year-end with her energy.
[Photo] Starship Entertainment
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