Barack Obama’s 2025 favorites list features BLACKPINK’s ‘Jump’ as first Korean track

Former US President Barack Obama has included K-pop girl group BLACKPINK's hit song "Jump" in his annual list of favorite music for 2025, marking the first time a Korean track has appeared on the list since he began the tradition during his White House tenure.

The 44th president shared his yearly roundup of favorite books, movies, and music on Friday, continuing a practice he established while in office. Among the selections were BLACKPINK's energetic 2025 release "Jump" and the American film "One Battle After Another" starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Released on July 11, "Jump" shattered records with the biggest 24-hour debut on YouTube and became BLACKPINK's 49th video to surpass 100 million views on the platform. The high-energy club anthem celebrates breaking free from limitations, embracing individuality, and dominating pop culture.

K-pop fans, particularly BLINKs—the term for BLACKPINK fans—expressed excitement over the inclusion. "This is why he was one of the best presidents," one X user commented, while another wrote, "He has taste." This isn't Obama's first nod to K-pop; years ago, he mentioned the group SHINee in a speech, signaling his appreciation for the genre.

Obama's 2025 music list also featured prominent artistes including Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake. Other favorites included Olivia Dean's "Nice To Each Other", Kendrick Lamar and SZA's chart-topping "Luther", Chappell Roan's "The Giver", and Lady Gaga's "Abracadabra" from her Mayhem project. Bruce Springsteen's "Faithless," Alex Warren's "Ordinary", Laufey's "Silver Lining", Rosalía's "Sexo, Violencia y Llantas", and Gunna's "Just Say Dat" also made the cut.

"As 2025 comes to a close, I'm continuing a tradition that I started during my time in the White House: sharing my annual lists of favorite books, movies, and music. I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out," Obama wrote on X.

The former president's appreciation for Korean entertainment extended beyond music. His movie selections included "No Other Choice", the latest thriller from acclaimed "Oldboy" director Park Chan-wook. Other cinematic favorites for the 64-year-old included "One Battle After Another", "Sinners", "Hamnet" and "It Was Just An Accident."

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Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the dark comedy "One Battle After Another" stars Leonardo DiCaprio as a washed-up revolutionary forced back into action when his daughter's life is threatened.​​​​​​​​​