UPDATE: The 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon, held on December 25, 2025, is facing backlash as viewership ratings plummet despite an impressive roster of 36 performing teams. Major acts like TVXQ’s Yunho, NCT’s Taeyong, Stray Kids, ATEEZ, and ITZY took the stage, yet the event recorded a disappointing overall rating of just 1.9%, according to Nielsen Korea.
The first part of the show suffered significantly, achieving a mere 1.2% rating, while the second part matched last year’s first part’s rating of 1.9%. In stark contrast, last year’s third part soared to 3.1%, highlighting a stark decline as both the second and third segments of this year ended with the same low rating of 1.9%.
This year’s Gayo Daejeon aimed to captivate audiences nationwide with its star-studded lineup, but the results reveal a troubling trend in viewer engagement. Fans and critics alike are questioning the event’s production and appeal, given the high expectations set by previous years’ performances.
As the music industry grapples with shifting viewer preferences and competition from various entertainment platforms, the Gayo Daejeon ratings raise concerns about the future of live televised music events in South Korea.
What happens next? Analysts will closely monitor the aftermath of this event, as its impact on future broadcasts and artist promotions could be significant. Will organizers adapt to reclaim viewer interest, or will this signify a broader decline in traditional music shows? Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
