5 K-pop acts who deserve to headline Coachella, with BTS, aespa, and more

Credit to Screen Rant for stirring up the ultimate K-pop wish list: names like BTS and aespa, totally seeming viable to command the stage in Coachella 2026. With BLACKPINK breaking the mold as the first Korean headliners in 2023 and more K-pop acts lighting up the fest in 2025, it’s clear the genre’s takeover is far from over.

Let’s break down the acts who could slay the stage last year at the festival:

#5.Taemin – A legend in his own right, Taemin blends the charisma of Michael Jackson with the edge of modern K-pop. From SHINee’s youngest to a solo icon, he’s inspired idols across generations, with even BTS’ Jimin citing him as an influence.

#4.BIGBANG – The kings of second-gen K-pop were this close to gracing Coachella in 2020 until it was cancelled due to COVID. Now, with G-Dragon’s comeback heating up and a surprise stage reunion in 2024, the timing has never been better. Whether it’s the full trio or just GD solo with a “BANG BANG BANG” surprise, they are totally viable.

#3. aespa – These futuristic queens already performed at the festival Coachella in 2022. Fast forward to now: they’ve dropped bangers, won big awards, and evolved into live divas. Songs like “Drama” and “Armageddon” would tear up the festival stage.

#2. ATEEZ – From underdogs to undeniable festival beasts, ATEEZ proved themselves with a jaw-dropping debut at Coachella 2024. Their high-energy set and viral vocals earned them new fans and enchanted older supporters. Headliners next year? Looks deserved!

#1. BTS – The blueprint. With a full group reunion on the horizon post-military, BTS returning with a bang in late 2025 feels inevitable. What better stage to celebrate than Coachella? A headline set would be the ultimate comeback party for the world’s biggest boy band and it would just be fair for them to grace the crowd at the dessert.