2025 Delivered Some Surprise K-Pop Christmas Songs

Photo: Girls’ Generation Official X

It seems like Christmas keeps coming earlier and earlier as festive releases sprinkle and snowball the closer it gets.. I love a holiday carol as much as the next person, but keeping up with what comes out in the weeks leading up to Christmas can feel overwhelming. Christmas is just days away (can you believe it?) and there is not enough time to discuss every new song out there. For a change, here are some winter songs that came as a surprise this year. 

“White Memories” by fromis_9

Though fromis_9 made headlines as a five-member group this year, I personally did not see much discussion about their new Christmas song on its launch. On December 2, the group released their winter single, “White Memories.” This synthpop song serves as a 2025 remake of soloist Kim Minjong’s song “White Longing” from his 2001 album You’re My Life. 

Though the song titles in English differ, they share the same name in Korean (“하얀 그리움”). Both titles match the song’s lyrics, which talk about missing a former lover that now only exists in painful holiday memories. fromis_9’s rendition adds a nice reference by featuring Kim and snippets of the original song in the music video. 

“Christmas Eve” by BEWAVE-JIUN&YUNSEUL

BEWAVE, a girl group that debuted in 2024, returned suddenly over a year after their last comeback. Members Jiun and Yunseul formed a sub-unit and debuted with a winter single, “Christmas Eve,” on December 9. With no mention of the single prior to its release, this drop truly came out of the blue. “Christmas Eve” layers classic winter bells atop of a trap beat for a more modern Christmas carol. 

Though it is unknown when BEWAVE will make a formal comeback, their next song(s) will likely feature a restructured lineup. In November, BEWAVE changed into a three-member group with Jiun, Yunseul, and Lena. Former members Zena, Ain, and Gowoon “will prepare to debut as a new group,” according to a statement provided by GoldDust Entertainment.   

“Wish to Wish” by YOONA 

On December 19, Girls’ Generation’s YOONA made her first solo comeback in six years. She managed to sneak in a winter single among her busy schedule promoting her latest drama series, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. This soft pop song brings Christmas spirit through promising long-lasting Christmas memories.

Through lyrics written by YOONA herself, she hopes that everyone will “shine in every moment,*” reflecting that even if people cannot spend every Christmas together, their memories will stay with each other until they can meet again. The music video shows YOONA befriending an adorable snow creature, which I need merchandise for as soon as possible. The quick bond the two share will warm your heart. 

*Note: lyrics from the English captions in the official music video.

Edited by Clark Royandoyan