As BLACKPINK Jennie and Lisa had basically taken over Coachella along with all the previous stellar performances, you will definitely agree that there will no longer be anyone asking if K-pop actually belongs at Coachella. Instead, the question now is: who should be the next K-pop act to take over Coachella?
K-pop has now evolved from global curiosity to full-on main event at the world’s most iconic music festival. But as fans still replay Jennie and Lisa’s 2025 solo performances, the K-pop community is already looking forward to the next global expansion.
And let’s be honest, we are all yearning for artists who don’t simply perform but also completely shift the atmosphere. But who do you think deserve to stand next on the Coachella stage? Here’s Kpoppost’s curated list of the next K-pop act who will be taking over Coachella if they’re given the chance.
New Era of K-pop in Coachella: More Than Representation
Now, before diving into all the brilliant names, one thing we should completely understand today is
Coachella isn’t checking off diversity boxes anymore. This isn’t about tossing a K-pop name onto the lineup for optics.
In the new generation music scene, K-pop has entered a new Coachella era where everything is about presence and power. Therefore, fans would expect an act that turns a 45-minute set into a global shift—one that lingers long after the music fades.
Therefore, we believe if they’re given the chance, these next five K-pop acts will definitely showcase world-level performances that may even surpass all their predecessors on the grand stage of Coachella.
1. Stray Kids – The Sound of Controlled Chaos
First and foremost—and you might be thinking the same name—yes, it’s Stray Kids.
Who could ever deny that Stray Kids is basically the new-generation Gods of K-pop performances? Just take a look at all their masterpieces that made them win the 2021 “Kingdom: Legendary War”; even today, nobody would ever match their level of performance.
Not to mention, all those spectacular year-end stages and concerts? And their captivating presence at the Lollapalooza 2024? Stray Kids don’t simply perform—they detonate the stage.
Known for their self-produced bangers (“God’s Menu,” “Maniac,” “S-Class”) and their genre-smashing EPs, Stray Kids channels the kind of kinetic, confrontational energy that turns a crowd into a riot. And with the stage discipline of Bang Chan and the multilingual charisma of Felix and Han, they have everything needed to crush a live festival set.
While BLACKPINK showcased elegance and precision, Stray Kids would bring volatility and spectacle—pyrotechnics for the ears and eyes.
Why Stray Kids Should Be Next
Their sound already dominates streaming charts and TikTok trends. Now, they’re poised to take that rebellious brand of artistry global—on a stage big enough to handle it.
Coachella loves chaos. And Stray Kids curate it. Meticulously.
2. (G)I-DLE – Feminine Rage and Creative Power
Secondly, the next K-pop act that will blow the Coachella stage to pieces is (G)I-DLE. This group has never once risen through the ranks by luck or accident. Just like how they commanded they contract renewal with CUBE, (G)I-DLE has always been writing their own rise and achievement
From the defiant “TOMBOY” to the theatrical “Nxde” and campy confidence of “Queencard,” this self-composing girl group turned every comeback into a cultural flashpoint. They’ve broken molds, bent gender roles, and brought sharp artistic direction into every era.
Led by producer and rapper Soyeon, (G)I-DLE isn’t afraid to be weird, raw, vulnerable, or loud—and that authenticity makes them an ideal act for a Western crowd that’s allergic to pretense.
Why (G)I-DLE Deserves the Stage
Their blend of feminist pop and experimental visuals would hit hard on Coachella’s main stage. Think of them as the Lana Del Rey of K-pop, but only louder, bolder, and—well—more glowing makeup.
But the point is that when they got the chance to perform at Coachella, (G)I-DLE won’t just impress. They’ll challengethe festival, instead!
3. TXT – The Genre Fluid Storytellers
Thirdly, we believe that TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) is perhaps K-pop’s most versatile live act right now.
Their genre-hopping style—ranging from punk rock anthems like “0X1=LOVESONG” to R&B laced ballads like “Anti-Romantic”—makes them a playlist-ready group for a festival built on eclectic soundscapes.
And yet what makes this group even more fabulous, and definitely fitting for Coachella, is the emotional storytelling. Almost all performances that TXT presented were incredibly immersive. They move like theater, sing like a band, and build a world in real-time.
Why TXT Are Festival Gold
TXT could do what few groups dare: make the audience feel. Their coming-of-age themes are universal. Their visuals are polished but not plastic. And their fanbase is already crossing borders.
So when we see them at Coachella, TXT will be more than just playing a set—they will actually design and stage a story for the audience.
4. BIBI – The Soloist Who Doesn’t Play Safe
If there’s one K-pop act who’s flawlessly made for Coachella’s avant-garde edge, it’s BIBI.
The R&B/alt-pop soloist delivers tracks that are sensual, erratic, poetic, and deeply confrontational. Her live performances blur the line between concert and performance art, often leaving audiences unsure whether to scream, cry, or simply post something on social media.
Songs like “Kazino,” “Animal Farm,” and “BIBI Vengeance” have all proven she can carry a stage alone—and with her growing U.S. fanbase and international festival circuit exposure, she’s no longer an underground name. She’s a storm waiting to land.
Why BIBI Belongs at Coachella
We all know how BIBI never fit in a K-pop box. Instead, she actually burns the box and dares you to feel something. And tell us if that’s not Coachella-worthy. If given the chance as the next K-pop act to perform at Coachella, BIBI will basically swallow the whole stage—and probably the whole dessert.
5. NewJeans – The Most Subtle Power Coachella’s Never Seen Coming
Okay, don’t go anywhere just yet. This might be a bit complicated, but hear us out. Despite all the latest overwhelming dispute with ADOR, we simply cannot deny that NewJeans—or NJZ—or MHDHH—has been one of the most groundbreaking new generation K-pop acts that have proven to ignite the stage like no other rookies ever had!
These girls are among the rarest K-pop groups who skip the high heels and ditches the EDM drops. And yet, they managed to move—exceptionally synchronized—and create powerful memories along the way.
With viral hits like Hype Boy, Ditto, and ETA, NewJeans redefined K-pop’s visual and sonic language. Their lo-fi beats, Y2K stylings, and emotionally intuitive choreography make them a natural fit for Coachella’s Gen Z-heavy audience.
You want more proof? Just take a look at how they set the stage for League of Legends Worlds 2023 with the grand anthem, “GODS”! Not to mention their impressive performance at Lollapalooza 2023 in Chicago. And they managed to pull everything off flawlessly, only 1 year—approximately—after their official debut.
This group presents a tremendous power that goes way deeper than any other K-pop group. And believe it or not, they feel real. No gimmicks. No overproduction. Just attitude, style, and a surprising sense of intimacy.
Why NewJeans Belong at Coachella
Sure, the big controversy is hindering their chances as the next K-pop act to perform at Coachella. At least not anytime soon. But if opportunity comes, this group would do what no other K-pop group has tried at Coachella—strip it all back. Their minimalist charm and ethereal energy could transform a sunset set into a global serotonin wave.
As a whole group, Coachella would need Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein, to evolve and strip off everything they’ve known so far.
The Next Legendary K-pop Act is Ready: Now It’s Coachella’s Turn to Catch Up
BLACKPINK made history. ATEEZ turned their set into a war cry. Jennie and Lisa proved solo power could fill a festival field without a single doubt. But now, there’s a new wave rising—and it’s not here to merely repeat what’s been done.
With the surreal edge of NewJeans, the untamed energy of Stray Kids, or the heart-cutting narrative of TXT—K-pop’s next act at Coachella won’t just take the stage. These new-generation megastars will be there to actually transform the stage.
Therefore, there will be no more asking “Can K-pop handle Coachella?”—no, we’re way past that. Now, the real question will instead be: Can Coachella handle what’s coming next from K-pop?
So here’s our call-out to the curators, the gatekeepers, the global trendsetters: If you’re still viewing K-pop as a side-stage spectacle or a cultural checkbox, well, it’s unfortunate but you’re already behind.
Because the future of K-pop is never waiting in the wings, it’s rehearsed and ready. And it’s Coachella’s turn instead to prove that they can handle and choose the best that’s coming. Then, all they have to do is hit play.
